IEBC to Gachagua: Present us your evidence

By Newsflash Reporter

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to submit concrete evidence to support his claims that the commission’s Vice Chairperson, Fahima Araphat, intimidated electoral officers in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County.

Magarini is among several constituencies expected to hold by-elections on Thursday, November 27, following earlier vacancies. The commission has insisted that it is prepared for the polls and that any allegations against its officials must be backed with verifiable proof.

In a letter dated November 24 and addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, Gachagua accused Araphat of assuming control of the Magarini by-election “through corrupt means.” He argued that oversight of the coastal region had been assigned to Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, and questioned why Araphat had allegedly taken over operations.

Gachagua, who is also the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) party leader, further claimed the alleged malpractice began on Friday, November 21, when Araphat “bullied, intimidated and coerced the electoral officials manning the Magarini by-elections.” According to him, the vice chairperson demanded access to the full list and contact details of all presiding officers involved in the upcoming polls.

The former Deputy President added that Araphat held a meeting with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro at a hotel in Malindi, where he alleged a bribery negotiation took place.
“This was in exchange of the list and names of all the presiding officers and instructions there to help Governor Gideon Mung’aro bungle the elections in favour of his preferred candidate,” claimed Gachagua.

The accusations have triggered intense debate around the integrity of the upcoming vote, with Gachagua insisting the alleged interference poses a threat to the credibility of the Magarini by-election.

Nderitu: Allegations must be backed by evidence

Responding to the claims, IEBC commissioner Anne Nderitu dismissed the accusations as unsubstantiated, insisting that the commission can only act on evidence presented formally. Speaking on Thursday evening during Kameme TV’s Mbaratha show, she underscored the need for complainants to follow due process.

“For now, we are treating that [case] as mere allegations. The complainant must present enough evidence to us. It’s from that evidence that we can review it and make a determination,” said Nderitu, when questioned about Gachagua’s letter.

She defended IEBC officials deployed to Magarini and other affected constituencies, describing them as properly trained, competent and capable of delivering free and fair by-elections. Nderitu emphasised that the electoral agency would not be swayed by political pressure or unverified claims.

The commissioner also addressed a separate controversy surrounding Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who has been accused of involving himself in political campaigns. Ruku has been seen publicly supporting UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende in the Mbeere North by-election.

Nderitu clarified that the commission has not received adequate proof to implicate the Cabinet Secretary.
She noted that without compelling evidence, the IEBC is unable to initiate action against Ruku or any other public officer accused of engaging in political activities.

As the by-election date draws closer, the commission has urged all political actors to remain calm, respect the electoral process and channel complaints through the right procedures. With tensions rising around Magarini and other hotspots, the IEBC insists that its mandate will be upheld based on facts—not political accusations.

The commission maintains that it is committed to delivering credible polls and will only take action once Gachagua or other complainants furnish it with solid evidence.