Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that some leaders are attempting to manipulate the upcoming Mbeere North by-election by buying young voters’ IDs. Speaking during a media interview on Saturday, November 22, Gachagua claimed that youths are being offered between Ksh2,000 and Ksh5,000 in exchange for their identification documents, a move he says is meant to prevent them from voting.
“I have just been told that some leaders are buying IDs for young people so that they don’t go and vote… It is very sad if you sell your ID for Ksh5,000 or Ksh2,000 and then you deny yourself the right to choose a representative who will determine your future,” Gachagua said.
He further accused certain senior leaders from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party of attempting to divert young voters’ support to their preferred candidates. Gachagua warned that accepting such bribes would be a betrayal of the youths’ role in holding government accountable.
“The Gen-Zs are the pillar of transformation in our country. They are the ones opposing wrongdoings by the government, and they vowed to make Ruto a one-term president. It will be tragic for them to accept money from leaders to choose someone else,” he said.
The Mbeere North by-election has drawn significant political attention, with top figures campaigning for their candidates. Moses Kuria, Chama Cha Kazi Party leader, is backing Ireri Mbui, Gachagua supports United Opposition candidate Newton Karish, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is campaigning for Leonard Muthende of UDA.
Earlier on Saturday, Kuria urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enforce security and prevent electoral malpractice. He warned that any chaos or irregularities could damage Kenya’s international reputation.
“I was here in 2007, and I saw what Kenya went through. The international community is watching, and we cannot afford insecurity during these elections,” Kuria said.
As Mbeere North residents prepare to vote, the spotlight remains on youth voters, whose decisions may influence not just the election outcome but the wider political narrative in Kenya.
