Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the Mbeere North by-election shortly after polling stations closed on Wednesday evening.
Gachagua, who has spent several days campaigning in the constituency in support of his preferred candidate, Hon. Karish, claimed that suspicious activities were unfolding at one of the polling centers.
According to Gachagua, the by-election is a key political battleground for the Mount Kenya region, which he argues needs stronger representation within the opposition. He has repeatedly stated that a win for his camp would help reposition the region politically ahead of future national contests.
In a strongly worded statement released moments after the voting process concluded, Gachagua alleged that there was interference at Gitiburi Primary School polling station. He claimed that Cabinet Secretary Ruku had “forcefully taken over” the center and disrupted the tallying process.
Gachagua further alleged that agents had been ejected from the facility and that security personnel attached to the CS had fired shots to disperse members of the public who were protesting the situation.
“CS Ruku has forcefully taken over Gitiburi Primary polling center and chased away all agents after his guards opened fire against protesting members of the public. He has stopped the counting and wants to manipulate,” Gachagua claimed in his statement.
He went on to call on young people in the area to move to the polling station to “reclaim” it—remarks that have generated debate online, with many urging calm and adherence to electoral laws.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has not yet responded to the allegations. Police in the region have also not issued an official statement regarding the reported incident.
As tension grows, observers are calling on all parties to remain peaceful and allow the tallying process to proceed transparently and in accordance with the law.
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