Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that there is a planned scheme to trigger violence in Ol Kalou Constituency with the aim of forcing the postponement of the parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua claimed that groups of goons would be deployed over the weekend to create unrest, arguing that the alleged violence would provide the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with grounds to delay the mini poll. He did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader questioned the electoral commission's preparedness to manage the 2027 General Election if it could not conduct a peaceful by-election. He urged the IEBC to safeguard the electoral process and ensure residents of Ol Kalou are allowed to elect their Member of Parliament without interference.
Gachagua's remarks come after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the commission could postpone or even cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if the security situation deteriorates. Ethekon cited reported cases of voter bribery, night campaigns and violence as some of the electoral code violations that could affect the credibility and safety of the exercise.
The IEBC has maintained that it is working with security agencies and other stakeholders to assess the situation, emphasizing that any decision on the by-election will be guided by the need to guarantee a free, fair and peaceful electoral process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua claimed that groups of goons would be deployed over the weekend to create unrest, arguing that the alleged violence would provide the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with grounds to delay the mini poll. He did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader questioned the electoral commission's preparedness to manage the 2027 General Election if it could not conduct a peaceful by-election. He urged the IEBC to safeguard the electoral process and ensure residents of Ol Kalou are allowed to elect their Member of Parliament without interference.
Gachagua's remarks come after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the commission could postpone or even cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if the security situation deteriorates. Ethekon cited reported cases of voter bribery, night campaigns and violence as some of the electoral code violations that could affect the credibility and safety of the exercise.
The IEBC has maintained that it is working with security agencies and other stakeholders to assess the situation, emphasizing that any decision on the by-election will be guided by the need to guarantee a free, fair and peaceful electoral process.
