Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh concerns about the conduct of senior government officials and political candidates, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to intervene before the situation gets worse.
He argues that the current behaviour seen during recent campaigns is unacceptable and goes against the basic rules that guide political competition in the country.
His message points directly at Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and UDA candidate Leo Muthende, whom he accuses of interfering with the United Opposition’s activities.
Gachagua says the three were involved in what he describes as “gate-crashing” United Opposition meetings held over the weekend. He claims that groups linked to UDA followed United Opposition candidates from Kanyuambora to Isiara and later Kababua Ka Nyans, interrupting the gatherings instead of allowing them to meet their supporters peacefully.
According to him, this behaviour shows a deliberate attempt to frustrate the opposition’s efforts to meet voters without disruption.
He goes further to explain that after the United Opposition finished a rally in Kanyuambora, the UDA team tried to charm the same attendees by distributing KSh 200.
Gachagua argues that this move was meant to influence the crowd and weaken the opposition’s message. He then adds that the same group continued trailing the United Opposition to the next venues, making it difficult for them to organise freely and connect with residents without interference.
Gachagua insists that the IEBC must take action, stating that the law clearly forbids one team from intruding into another’s political meeting. He argues that UDA has realised it cannot attract a genuine crowd on its own and is therefore resorting to following the opposition and giving out money to win support.
From his view, this practice harms the fairness expected during campaigns and denies voters the chance to listen to different candidates without pressure.Legal experts back the idea that the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct already have rules meant to stop such interference.
The code requires all candidates to respect the rights of others and avoid blocking any party from accessing voters. It also gives the IEBC the authority to summon individuals suspected of wrongdoing, issue fines, or even stop candidates from continuing with public events if they break the rules.
These concerns come at a time when tensions are growing in Mbeere North, where Leo Muthende is seeking office. The IEBC has already warned all contestants to follow the code, and Gachagua’s claims may push the commission to look deeper into recent events. If the enforcement committee finds evidence of violations, it can issue penalties ranging from warnings to heavy fines or campaign restrictions.
