Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission demanding urgent action to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming Ol-Kalou Constituency by-election, warning of what he described as a coordinated plan to undermine the vote through violence, voter manipulation and misuse of state power.
In a letter dated 14th July 2026 and addressed to IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon, Gachagua said he was acting in his capacity as a party leader and as a concerned citizen to bring to the commission’s attention several issues he believes threaten free and fair elections in Ol-Kalou, where voters are expected to cast their ballots on 16th July 2026.
The correspondence, shared publicly on Gachagua’s official Facebook page, quickly drew thousands of reactions online and reignited debate about public trust in electoral institutions ahead of the mini-poll.
Opening the letter, Gachagua reminded the IEBC boss that elections are judged not only by their final results but by the manner in which they are conducted. He referenced Kenya’s post-election violence of 2007/2008 as evidence that flaws in the electoral process can have long-lasting consequences for national stability.
He noted that the IEBC and previous commissions have struggled with public perception, and that the current commission is operating under a cloud of low confidence among citizens. “From the outset, Kenyans hold the view that your commission and the process you oversee are already compromised,” Gachagua wrote, urging Ethekon to take deliberate steps to restore credibility.
The DCP leader said his party was not opposed to competition, but insisted that competition must happen within the law and without intimidation.
A significant portion of the letter focused on events reported in Ol-Kalou in the days leading to the by-election. Gachagua claimed his party had documented multiple incidents of campaigns that violated electoral law, including allegations of voter bribery.
He argued that despite these reports being widely covered by the media and witnessed by residents, the commission had not summoned those involved or taken visible enforcement action.
The letter listed several senior government officials by name, accusing them of taking part in activities that amounted to early campaigning and inducement of voters. Among those mentioned were Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Lands, Information, Roads and Transport, and Tourism, as well as a number of Principal Secretaries from ministries including Defence, Energy, and Public Service.
Gachagua told the chairman that allowing such conduct to go unchecked would signal that the rules only apply to some candidates and not others.
He also referenced a recent parliamentary matter involving the Member of Parliament for Kipipiri, Hon. Wanjiku Muhia, saying the way her case was handled by Parliament set a poor precedent because she was allegedly condemned without being given a fair hearing or legal representation.
The DCP leader further alleged that his party had received intelligence about plans to disrupt voting in selected polling stations within Ol-Kalou. According to the letter, there were discussions in a meeting on 13th July 2026 about deploying plain-clothed officers to cause chaos at specific centers associated with DCP.
He cited a separate incident on the morning of 16th July 2026, where he said a senior government official stormed a polling station and caused a disturbance, an act he described as an attempt to intimidate voters and election officials.
Gachagua asked the commission to confirm what security measures had been put in place to prevent interference and to ensure that police would not be used to frustrate the process. “The onus is on you to stem this out,” he told the IEBC chair.
The letter also raised concerns about the handling of election materials, specifically the storage and inspection of ballot boxes. Gachagua said DCP officials had been denied access during that process and asked for assurance that all party agents would be allowed to perform their duties as provided by law.
Gachagua’s letter comes at a time when the IEBC is under pressure to demonstrate independence ahead of future national elections. The commission has faced criticism over delays, staffing, and public communication, with various political actors questioning its neutrality.
By putting his concerns in writing and making the letter public, Gachagua appeared to be seeking both administrative action from the commission and political mileage for his party ahead of the by-election. The DCP is fielding a candidate in Ol-Kalou and has been campaigning on a platform of electoral accountability and citizen participation.
Electoral analysts note that by-elections often become testing grounds for how the IEBC manages disputes, security, and the use of state resources. The Ol-Kalou race has drawn attention because it is happening mid-term and involves high-profile political figures campaigning in the area.
The post sharing the letter garnered more than 7,000 likes and over 1,700 comments within hours. Supporters of Gachagua praised him for “speaking up early” and called on the IEBC to act decisively. Critics questioned the timing and tone of the letter, arguing that raising allegations on the eve of voting could itself cause tension.
One comment that drew attention came from Jane Wambui, who wrote: “It is now time for the people of Ol Kalou to prove to the world that a hen can eat all over the village but it knows where to lay eggs.” The proverb was widely interpreted as a call for voters to make a deliberate choice despite external pressure.
As of the time of publication, the IEBC had not issued a formal public response to the specific allegations contained in Gachagua’s letter. The commission has previously stated that it is committed to conducting the Ol-Kalou by-election in accordance with the Constitution and the Elections Act, and that all complaints received will be investigated through the established legal channels.
The commission’s regulations require political parties and candidates to adhere to campaign rules, and give the IEBC powers to take action against bribery, voter intimidation, and interference with election officials. Security during elections is typically coordinated between the IEBC and the National Police Service.
Ol-Kalou Constituency in Nyandarua County goes to the polls on 16th July 2026 to fill a parliamentary vacancy. By-elections are often closely watched because they can signal voter mood ahead of general elections and because they attract significant attention from national leaders.
For DCP, a strong showing in Ol-Kalou would bolster the party’s presence in the Mount Kenya region. For the IEBC, a peaceful and transparent process would help rebuild some of the public confidence that has eroded in recent years.
Gachagua closed his letter by asking Chairman Ethekon to clarify the commission’s position on several issues, including security arrangements, access for party agents, and steps being taken to address the reported violations. He emphasized that the responsibility to ensure a credible election rests with the commission.
Whether the IEBC will act on the specific demands before voting day remains to be seen. What is clear is that the letter has put Ol-Kalou in the national spotlight, with voters, observers and political parties all watching to see how the commission handles the final hours before ballots are cast.
As Kenyans head to the polls, the central question will be whether institutions can deliver an election that is not only free and fair in result, but also trusted in process — the very point Gachagua emphasized in his appeal to the IEBC chair.
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