Gachagua Says Govt Used Unfair Tactics to Influence Malava and Mbeere North By-Elections
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using force, intimidation, and state machinery to influence the outcomes of the recent by-elections in Malava and Mbeere North constituencies.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday night, Gachagua—who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)—claimed that the government allegedly sponsored groups of hired goons and used police officers in plain clothes to interfere with voting and disrupt the process in several polling stations.
According to him, what happened in the two constituencies is part of a worrying trend that could shape the political environment as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election. He warned that such actions risk creating tension, mistrust, and division among Kenyans.
Gachagua specifically pointed to incidents in Mbeere North, where he accused Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of taking over Gitiburi Primary School polling centre. He alleged that Ruku’s bodyguards clashed with voters, leading to agents being chased away and vote counting being halted.
“He has completely taken control of the centre and stopped the counting process. This is a dangerous move meant to manipulate the final results. I urge all young men aged 18 to 35 from the surrounding area to go there and help reclaim the polling centre,” Gachagua said.
His remarks come shortly after UDA candidates were officially announced as winners in both constituencies. In Malava, David Ndakwa of the UDA secured victory with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating DAP-Kenya’s Seth Panyako, who managed 20,210 votes.
In Mbeere North, the IEBC declared Leonard Wa Muthende the winner after he garnered 15,802 votes. His closest competitor, Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki—popularly known as Karish—received 15,308 votes.
The by-elections, held on November 27, were widely seen as a major test of political strength between the organised opposition and the government-backed candidates. The results have already sparked intense debate, with both sides accusing each other of foul play.
Gachagua has been increasingly vocal in recent days, insisting that the government attempted to manipulate the mini-polls.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, November 26, he also alleged that ballot stuffing occurred, adding that what happened in the two constituencies should serve as a warning about the integrity of future elections.
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