Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused unnamed individuals of attempting to interfere with the voting rights of Ol Kalou residents ahead of the constituency's by-election, alleging that voters are being asked to surrender identity cards in exchange for free items.
Gachagua claimed residents were being offered gas cylinders and government-branded mattresses in return for their identification documents, warning them against giving away the documents ahead of the July 16 mini-poll.
"Reports reaching me from Olkalou are that residents are being asked to surrender their identity cards in exchange for a free gas cylinder and a GoK branded mattress," Gachagua said.
He alleged that the move was aimed at locking out voters from participating in the election, urging residents to protect their constitutional right to vote.
"This is a scheme to deny you the opportunity and right to vote on the by-elections of 16th July 2026. Please don't surrender your Identity Card to anyone," he said.
The former Deputy President urged residents to accept any government assistance or development projects offered but retain possession of their identification documents.
"Let the Government and UDA campaigners give you the gas cylinder and a GoK mattress," he said.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. The National Assembly Speaker later formally declared the seat vacant, paving the way for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to organise a by-election.
The mini-poll is scheduled for July 16, 2026, with voters set to elect a new Member of Parliament to complete the remainder of Kiaraho's term.
UDA, DCP and Jubilee in key contest
The Ol Kalou race has attracted attention because of the wider political battle between President William Ruto's allies and Gachagua's emerging political camp ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nine candidates were cleared to contest the seat, but the main contest is expected to revolve around candidates from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and Jubilee Party.
UDA is represented by Samuel Muchina Nyagah, while Gachagua's DCP has fielded Sammy Kamau Ngotho. Jubilee's candidate is Wilson Kigwa. Other candidates cleared by IEBC include Timothy Kamau of the People's Renaissance Movement, Edwin Muchiri of PNU, Stephen Wanyoike of NLP, Rachael Njoroge of PDP, Edward Mwaniki of Kenya Moja Movement and Abdifatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya.
Beyond the constituency seat, the Ol Kalou contest has taken on national political significance as rival camps seek to demonstrate their influence in the vote-rich Central Kenya region.
Gachagua, who has been holding consultations with different groups as he prepares his political path ahead of 2027, urged Ol Kalou residents not to be swayed by what he described as last-minute incentives.
"Let the cowardly regime deliver even speed boats, transformers, bullet trains, water tanks, milk and potato coolers and all that has not been delivered to Olkalou since 1963. It is time!" he said.
He also praised residents for what he described as resistance to political inducements and urged them to remain firm until election day.
"You have so far done very well in resisting goodies and cash to sway you. Don't be deceived the last minute," Gachagua said.
The allegations by Gachagua had not been independently verified, and there was no immediate public response from the government or UDA officials regarding the claims.
