Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has called for urgent action from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing the commission’s vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of improper involvement in preparations for the Magarini Constituency by-election.
In a letter addressed to IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon and shared publicly through his X account, Gachagua claimed that activities attributed to the vice chair could compromise the credibility of the 27 November 2025 vote.
In the statement, Gachagua alleged that Abdallah travelled to Magarini on 21 November, where she reportedly interacted with election officials in a manner he described as coercive.
He further stated that the vice chair sought access to contact details for all presiding officers assigned to the by-election, an action he argued was inconsistent with internal policies meant to prevent undue influence by senior IEBC members.
The former deputy president also linked the alleged interference to a meeting he claims took place in a Malindi hotel on the same day, involving Abdallah, IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
According to Gachagua, the discussions centred on efforts to influence the electoral process, though he did not provide independent evidence to support the allegations. He said the situation had left some election officials feeling intimidated ahead of the poll.
Gachagua framed the incident as part of broader concerns about electoral integrity, referencing Kenya’s history of contested elections and the importance of public trust as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election.
He argued that the by-election presented an opportunity for the newly constituted IEBC to demonstrate neutrality, noting that disputes surrounding the 2022 polls contributed to the current political tensions in Magarini.
On behalf of the Democratic Congress Party candidate Stanley Karisa Kenga, Gachagua requested the immediate replacement of all presiding officers deployed in the constituency.
He also urged the commission to investigate Abdallah’s conduct and suspend her from her role pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Additionally, he asked the IEBC chair to safeguard officials involved in the by-election from external pressure.
The allegations remain unverified, and no independent confirmation of the meetings or actions described in Gachagua’s letter has been released.
The Magarini by-election is closely watched due to its political significance in the Coast region, where competition among parties has intensified ahead of the next national electoral cycle.