UDA Hits Back at Gachagua Over Ol Kalou By-Election Claims, Defends CSs and PSs Named in Alleged Campaign Plot
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has mounted a strong defence of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries accused by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of illegally participating in campaigns and voter bribery ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a sharply worded statement issued on July 15, the ruling party dismissed Gachagua’s allegations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated, accusing him of attempting to undermine public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through what it described as conspiracy-driven claims.
The response came a day after Gachagua wrote an eight-page letter to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, alleging that senior government officials had been deployed to influence the outcome of the hotly contested by-election in Nyandarua County.
UDA Demands Evidence
UDA argued that while allegations of election malpractice should always be investigated, accusations against public officials must be backed by credible evidence rather than speculation.
The party said Gachagua had publicly named several Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries without presenting proof to support claims that they were campaigning or bribing voters.
“A dramatic list of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries allegedly campaigning and bribing in Ol Kalou Constituency has been recklessly referenced, without a particle of evidence,” UDA said.
The party further added:
“This is a sensational call for the next conspiracy episode. Where admissible evidence of bribery or undue influence exists, it should be presented through lawful institutions, not through a scattergun letter addressed to the IEBC.”
Cabinet Secretaries and PSs Named
In his July 14 letter, Gachagua alleged that several senior government officials had become actively involved in the by-election despite constitutional requirements for public officers to remain politically neutral while executing official duties.
Among those he named were:
- Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome
- ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo
- Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir
- Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano
He also listed Principal Secretaries:
- Nixon Korir
- Patrick Mariru
- Alex Wachira
- Joseph Mbugua
- Mary Muthoni
- Ann Wang’ombe
According to Gachagua, the officials were allegedly involved in activities intended to influence voters ahead of the parliamentary contest.
Ruling Party Accuses Gachagua of Double Standards
UDA also turned the spotlight on Gachagua’s own political camp, arguing that the former Deputy President had remained silent over previous incidents of alleged political violence involving some of his allies.
The party cited past by-elections in Malava, Mbeere North and Narok Town, claiming Gachagua had failed to condemn violence associated with politicians aligned to him.
UDA specifically referenced Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, describing her as one of Gachagua’s close political allies.
According to the ruling party, Muhia had previously faced accusations of incitement and intimidation during political activities in Ol Kalou.
“The case of Hon. Wanjiku Muhia has been invoked as proof of IEBC bias. It is in the public domain that Hon. Wanjiku Muhia was indicted for inciting violence, intimidation and threatening Ol Kalou residents with death,” UDA stated.
The party went further, accusing Gachagua of applying different standards depending on which political side was involved.
“Rigathi Gachagua has never condemned the horrible utterances and warlike conduct of his allies, clearly pointing to a mindset that sanctions violence against innocent people for political advancement.”
Security Deployment and Electoral Law
UDA also rejected Gachagua’s interpretation of election laws, saying his reliance on a 2022 High Court decision ignored later rulings by superior courts that have since clarified aspects of electoral management.
The party maintained that the deployment of more than 2,000 security officers during the Ol Kalou by-election is a constitutional responsibility of the Inspector General of Police and not a political directive issued by the Executive or any party officials.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in an increasingly heated political battle over the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with both sides trading accusations over alleged state interference, election integrity and political violence as campaigns enter their final stages.
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