Kenya ruling United Democratic Alliance party has called for an investigation into former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of launching baseless attacks against a top electoral official amid tensions over a local by-election. The party described his claims as sensational and rooted in personal vendetta.
The move escalates a bitter feud between Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024, and the party he once helped lead to power, highlighting deepening rifts in Kenyan politics just days before the Magarini constituency vote in coastal Kilifi county. Analysts suggest this confrontation underscores ongoing power struggles within the political landscape, as Gachagua seeks to reassert his influence through his new political outfit.
In a scathing statement, United Democratic Alliance described Gachagua’s allegations as a “misguided missile of pent-up vendetta and a tantrum rendered in paragraphs,” urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to probe whether his comments amounted to intimidation or hatred. The party emphasized that such attacks raise immediate constitutional red flags and could undermine public confidence in electoral processes.
Gachagua, now heading the opposition Democracy for the Citizens Party, fired off a letter on 24 November 2025 to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon Edung, demanding the removal of all presiding officers for Thursday’s by-election. He warned that failure to act would erode trust in the commission’s ability to conduct fair polls.
He specifically targeted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, a 33-year-old lawyer from Lamu county who became the youngest person to hold the post when appointed earlier this year. Abdallah, known for her legal expertise in electoral matters, has been praised for bringing fresh perspectives to the commission amid efforts to restore its credibility after past controversies.
Gachagua claimed Abdallah traveled to Magarini on 21 November 2025, where she “bullied, intimidated and coerced” electoral staff and sought access to officer lists. He further alleged she met Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro, an ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga, in nearby Malindi to plot influencing the poll. “Be informed, might it not be within your knowledge, that on Friday, 21 November 2025, Abdallah was in Magarini, where she bullied, intimidated, and coerced the electoral officials manning the Magarini by-elections,” the letter read in part.
“Such conduct by a senior commissioner is not only unlawful but also undermines the integrity of the electoral process,” Gachagua wrote, calling for Abdallah’s resignation and warning of potential rigging. He positioned his intervention as a defense of democratic principles, urging voters to remain vigilant during the polling exercise.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission swiftly rejected the claims, with chairperson Ethekon defending his deputy and assuring a “free, fair and credible” election. “The commission operates within the law and will not be swayed by unsubstantiated allegations,” he said in a statement. Commission officials reiterated that the selection of electoral staff follows strict legal and procedural guidelines, dismissing any suggestions of impropriety.
UDA strong condemnation
United Democratic Alliance, led by President William Ruto, piled on, questioning Gachagua’s credibility. “It is acrobatically strenuous to perceive the sudden devotion to integrity by an individual who… was found excruciatingly wanting,” the party said, referencing his impeachment. The statement highlighted what it called Gachagua’s “notorious pattern of condescending conduct, a striking catalogue of voracity, inflammatory utterances, calls to violence, and that haunting chapter of defrauding widows remain inerasable.”
The party insisted the selection of electoral officials is governed strictly by law, institutional procedure, and the commission’s independent constitutional mandate. “The height of tomfoolery for any person to expect the process to be conducted at the whims of an emotionally chaotic individual or the eccentric wishes of a perennial grumbler,” United Democratic Alliance added, urging Gachagua to focus on managing his political sponsors instead of interfering with independent institutions.
Independent voices weigh in
Rights advocate and Persons with Disabilities chair Hafid Maalim defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission against rigging claims, praising vice chair Abdallah and predicting a smooth by-election. Maalim trashed the opposition’s allegations as baseless, stating that rigging is impossible under the current safeguards and emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency.
Gachagua impeachment background
Gachagua was ousted in October 2024 after lawmakers accused him of 11 charges, including gross misconduct, corruption, money laundering, insubordination and stoking ethnic tensions – all of which he denied. The Senate upheld the impeachment despite his hospitalization during proceedings, marking the first such removal of a deputy president in Kenya’s history. Since then, Gachagua has launched Democracy for the Citizens Party, positioning himself as a champion for marginalized communities, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, against what he terms a “punitive” government.
Analysts say the spat reflects broader power struggles, with Gachagua positioning himself as a defender of marginalized communities against what he calls a “punitive” government. Political commentator Herman Manyora noted that such public confrontations could polarize voters further, especially in regions with historical grievances over electoral integrity.
Magarini by-election context
The Magarini by-election was triggered by the death of incumbent MP Harrison Kombe on 14 August 2025, pitting United Democratic Alliance candidate against rivals from Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement and independents. Voters head to the polls on 28 November 2025 amid promises of development in the impoverished region, known for its tourism and mining potential. The constituency has seen intense campaigning, with issues like land rights, infrastructure, and economic empowerment dominating discussions.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officials said preparations were on track, with enhanced security to prevent disruptions. They have deployed additional personnel and technology to ensure transparency, including real-time result transmission systems.
United Democratic Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, advising Gachagua to “focus on managing his political sponsors” rather than meddling with independent bodies. As the by-election approaches, all eyes are on whether these allegations will impact voter turnout or the overall conduct of the poll.
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