DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua/X
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Erastus Ethekon to take action over reported voter bribery and election-related violence allegations instead of warning that the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be postponed.
Gachagua criticised the electoral commission, saying it had not effectively enforced existing laws despite reports identifying individuals allegedly linked to electoral malpractices.
His remarks came a day after Ethekon warned that the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election could be postponed or cancelled if escalating violence, reports of voter bribery and other breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct continue.
The IEBC chairperson said the commission had received reports of violent confrontations, destruction of campaign materials, late-night campaigns and alleged voter bribery.
Addressing the press at the DCP offices in Nairobi, Gachagua questioned why the commission was appealing to Kenyans instead of exercising its legal mandate against those suspected of violating election laws.
"Before you can threaten to cancel the election because of voter bribery, can you summon these individuals and pull them out of Ol Kalou and let the law take its course?"
The former deputy president said responsibility for ensuring credible elections rests with the electoral commission.
"You are the one who is supposed to take action against these people. Then you are shouting, 'Oh, this election I can cancel. There is too much voter bribery. Oh, there could be violence.'"
Gachagua also challenged the IEBC chairperson to prioritise enforcement of the law instead of issuing public warnings.
"You are the one charged with the responsibility of managing elections in Kenya, not the Kenyan people. What do you want the people of Ol Kalou to do?" he posed.
Ethekon's warning followed a series of reported incidents that the commission said had heightened tensions ahead of the by-election, including clashes between rival political camps, allegations of voter bribery and destruction of campaign materials.
He said the commission would not hesitate to postpone the poll if conditions failed to meet the threshold for a free, fair and peaceful election.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho, with the mini-poll expected to serve as an early test for the reconstituted IEBC as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.
