Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, through his lengthy presser at the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi today, he clearly pointed out at massive bribery of voters with government branded goods.
He also expressed how the serene skies of Ol Kalou were suddenly and dramatically dominated by the relentless hum of low-flying helicopters, turning up the heat on the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The DCP leader highlighted the chaotic logistics on the ground as evidence of the intense operation. “Helicopters are almost causing accidents in the air,” he remarked dramatically.
“We need to establish a traffic department to control traffic in the air because of the helicopters in Ol Kalou. The number of fuel guzzlers in Ol Kalou… all hotels are full.
here is no accommodation facility.” This vivid description underscored what he portrayed as an overwhelming deployment of state machinery and personnel.
With the poll slated for July 16, Gachagua accused the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance of flooding the constituency with over KSh 1 billion in bribes while deploying state resources in a desperate bid to secure victory.
Gachagua painted a picture of unprecedented electoral malpractice in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. “The level of bribery they’ve put there is very shocking,” he declared, claiming President William Ruto’s camp had poured massive cash in billions and taxpayer-funded goodies into the area.
He specifically alleged that residents were being lured into surrendering their national identity cards in exchange for free gas cylinders and government-branded mattresses.
“This is not development; it’s repayment for 2022 support and a blatant attempt to buy votes,” Gachagua asserted.
He questioned the silence of IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon, asking pointedly: “Where were you? This bribery has been going on for the last two months. Why didn’t you stop it?”
Gachagua called on the electoral body to rein in state officials and senior government figures flooding the campaign trail.
A central theme of the speech was fierce opposition to any postponement of the by-election. Gachagua claimed there is a sinister plan to unleash goons this weekend to incite violence, providing the IEBC with a pretext to delay the vote. “Ol Kalou has been peaceful.
There is no reason to postpone the elections,” he insisted, urging the commission to stand firm and deliver a credible process.
The by-election was triggered by the death of the area MP, David Kiaraho, in March. Gachagua threw his weight fully behind the DCP candidate, Kamau Ngotho, describing him as the “people’s preferred choice” who cannot be swayed by money.
He warned that no amount of inducement would make Ol Kalou residents abandon their preferred leader.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the constituency, viewed as a key litmus test ahead of future polls.
He positioned the DCP as defenders of the people’s will against what he termed state-orchestrated vote buying. “We are asking Mr. Ethekon… this bribery has been going on,” he repeated, demanding accountability.
On the other, the Deputy Inspector General OF police Eliud Lagat warned that anybody who is going to break the law will face the law. Lagat assured deployment of adequate security personnel to enhance smooth and transparent By-election.
“After all these schemes have failed and the government polling machinery has reported that the UDA party candidate is performing dismally, IEBC gets instructions and, through their chairman, threatens to postpone or cancel the elections,” he claimed.
“You are now being used by William Ruto to postpone the election because he knows he faces a humiliating defeat next week.
As the countdown to July 16 continues, all eyes remain on Ol Kalou. Gachagua’s fiery intervention has amplified calls for transparency, voter vigilance, and an IEBC that upholds its mandate without fear or favor.
It is clear that the battle for Ol Kalou has entered its most intense phase.
