Gachagua and Nyutu Accuse IEBC of Bias in Ol Kalou By-election

Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), and Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu have accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of bias and failing to prevent state-backed intimidation ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election in Ol Kalou. The contest, held following the death of MP David Kiaraho, has evolved into a high-stakes battle between the DCP and President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Gachagua alleged in a letter to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon that a July 13 meeting between UDA officials and government officers revealed plans to disrupt the vote. He claimed the interference would include delayed accreditation of agents, the use of plain-clothes police to intimidate voters, and coordinated power outages during the counting process. Gachagua also demanded a manual voter register as backup and cited uninvestigated attacks on DCP supporters, including an attempted assassination of former legislator Kanini Kega.

Senator Joe Nyutu echoed these claims on July 15, alleging that government-allied politicians engaged in voter bribery and violence. Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon acknowledged the presence of voter bribery and the deployment of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries to campaign in the constituency, warning that candidates found culpable could face disqualification.