The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused state officials and local leaders of intimidating thousands of elderly voters during the recent Mbeere North by-election.
In an interview on Wednesday, Gachagua claimed that senior citizens enrolled in the Inua Jamii cash transfer program were threatened with the withdrawal of their government stipends if they did not vote for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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“What happened in Mbeere is unacceptable. There was widespread bribery and coercion, particularly targeting elderly men and women who rely on government support,” he said, alleging that around 7,000 seniors were pressured by chiefs, Nyumba Kumi leaders, and local elders to vote for UDA under threat of losing benefits.
Gachagua warned that voter intimidation will not be tolerated in future elections, citing the recent civic courage shown by voters in Narok as a positive example.
“While it may be possible to intimidate people in a by-election, it will not happen during a general election,” he said.
Despite alleging irregularities in areas where his party, the Democratic Change Party (DCP), fielded candidates, Gachagua said he would not pursue court challenges.
“Our party performed exceptionally well despite attempts at voter suppression and bribery. In Narok Town, DCP won even under difficult conditions, and remember, the party was formed just seven months ago,” he noted.
He also sought to refute claims that DCP is tribal, pointing to the party’s victory in Khwisero, over 600 kilometres from the Mt. Kenya region, as evidence of its national appeal.
The allegations come days after Chief Justice Martha Koome assigned High Court Judge Richard Mwongo to hear a petition challenging the outcome of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, as published in Gazette Notice No. 17623.
The by-election, held on November 27, saw Leonard Muthende of UDA declared the MP-elect with 15,802 votes, narrowly defeating Newton Kariuki (Karish) of the Democratic Party, who received 15,308 votes.
Earlier, on December 1, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused President William Ruto and senior officials of orchestrating state interference in both the Mbeere North and Malava by-elections. Kalonzo alleged that police officers, local administrators, and even Cabinet Secretaries were deployed to influence results in favor of UDA candidates.
“There was no proper voter tallying; officials were pressured to match the numbers desired by Ruto,” he claimed, adding that police coordinated with local hooligans to intimidate voters. Kalonzo vowed to file a strong, comprehensive legal petition.
Meanwhile, the IEBC has maintained that the declared election results are legitimate. With Justice Mwongo now assigned to the Mbeere North case, the petition will proceed to formal hearings at the Embu High Court.
