The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing criticism after a video surfaced showing individuals openly threatening Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of his scheduled visit to Mbeere North. The by-election in the constituency is set for November 16, following the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, which left the seat vacant.
In the viral video, four men were heard issuing menacing remarks, suggesting that Gachagua would face hostility during his campaign activities in Mbeere North. One of the voices said: “We don’t have any other work from today until the day Rigathi Gachagua said he is coming to Mbeere North. You’ll know here in Mbeere North we are men; prove you are a man…” Another individual warned Gachagua against involving his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, in political engagements, saying: “Come on that 16th if you are a man, but leave Pastor Dorcas behind; don’t bring her everywhere you go. We respect women, so come alone and we can deal with each other as men.”
Reacting to the video, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki’s ally, Kuria, questioned the readiness of IEBC to conduct free and fair polls. Kuria claimed he had raised concerns about potential hostility in the region with the Electoral Operations Commissioner but alleged no action was taken.
“Dear IEBC. Is this how 2027 will be? I have raised this with your Electoral Operations Commissioner several times. No action. Elections are a process, not an event. Mbeere North is currently the property of IEBC, not the state. The buck stops with you. Your staple food is public confidence,” Kuria wrote.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Gachagua, has opted not to field a candidate in Mbeere North, instead supporting the Democratic Party, associated with former Public Service CS Justin Muturi. Weeks before the polls, Muturi and other contenders accused the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of plotting to rig the elections—claims dismissed by CS Ruku.
With tensions rising, IEBC now faces pressure to guarantee a peaceful and credible by-election in Mbeere North, ensuring all political actors can participate without fear.
