In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday night, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader alleged that groups of hired goons, accompanied by police officers in civilian clothing, were mobilised to interfere with voting and tallying processes in the two constituencies.
According to Gachagua, the disturbances witnessed in Malava and Mbeere North signal what he termed a “dangerous trend” as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
“The use of goons and police in civilian clothes to overturn the will of the people sets the stage for serious acrimony ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as witnessed in Mbeere North and Malava,” he stated.
Gachagua singled out Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, alleging that the CS forcefully took charge of the Gitiburi Primary School polling station.
He claimed Ruku’s security detail clashed with voters before allegedly ejecting agents from the centre.
“He has stopped counting and wants to manipulate the results. All men between the ages of 18 and 35 in the neighbourhood should proceed to the polling centre and reclaim it,” Gachagua alleged, urging residents to intervene.
Photographs from the campaigns showed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki drumming up support for UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende in Mbeere North, a race that had attracted substantial political attention due to its perceived implications for national political alignments.
Despite the allegations, UDA candidates emerged victorious in both constituencies.
In Malava, David Ndakwa clinched the seat with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating DAP-Kenya’s Seth Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes.
“He has stopped counting and wants to manipulate the results. All men between the ages of 18 and 35 in the neighbourhood should proceed to the polling centre and reclaim it,” Gachagua alleged, urging residents to intervene.
Photographs from the campaigns showed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki drumming up support for UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende in Mbeere North, a race that had attracted substantial political attention due to its perceived implications for national political alignments.
Despite the allegations, UDA candidates emerged victorious in both constituencies.
In Malava, David Ndakwa clinched the seat with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating DAP-Kenya’s Seth Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes.
The closely fought contest had been viewed as a test of popularity for both Kenya Kwanza and the united opposition.
In Mbeere North, Leonard Wa Muthende was declared the winner after receiving 15,802 votes. He edged out Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who secured 15,308 votes.
The by-elections were widely regarded as a supremacy battle between the government-backed coalition and the opposition bloc seeking to regain ground ahead of the next general election.
Gachagua’s latest remarks add to a string of criticisms he has directed at the government throughout the by-election period.
In Mbeere North, Leonard Wa Muthende was declared the winner after receiving 15,802 votes. He edged out Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who secured 15,308 votes.
The by-elections were widely regarded as a supremacy battle between the government-backed coalition and the opposition bloc seeking to regain ground ahead of the next general election.
Gachagua’s latest remarks add to a string of criticisms he has directed at the government throughout the by-election period.
A day earlier, during a Wednesday press briefing, he accused the government of orchestrating ballot stuffing and interfering with tallying centres.
While the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed isolated incidents in some centres, the agency maintained that the polling process remained largely orderly and that all complaints raised would be investigated as required by election laws.
Gachagua, who has recently rebranded his political movement under new party colours, has increasingly positioned himself as a leading opposition voice despite previously serving in Ruto’s administration.
The by-elections, held on November 27, were among the most closely monitored in the recent past due to rising political tensions, claims of voter intimidation, and the high stakes attached to the seats.
While the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed isolated incidents in some centres, the agency maintained that the polling process remained largely orderly and that all complaints raised would be investigated as required by election laws.
Gachagua, who has recently rebranded his political movement under new party colours, has increasingly positioned himself as a leading opposition voice despite previously serving in Ruto’s administration.
The by-elections, held on November 27, were among the most closely monitored in the recent past due to rising political tensions, claims of voter intimidation, and the high stakes attached to the seats.
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