UDA Urges IEBC to Dismiss Gachagua's "Political Fiction"

NAIROBI, KENYA – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has formally requested the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to disregard allegations of electoral malpractice made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah, labeling them as "political fiction" and a "misguided missile of pent-up vendetta."

This development marks a significant escalation in the political feud between the ruling party and its former deputy leader, centering on the integrity of the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election scheduled for Thursday, 27 November 2025, EAT. The controversy brings into sharp focus the lingering political tensions following Gachagua's acrimonious exit from the party and government, and the intense scrutiny facing the newly constituted electoral commission ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Allegations

The dispute began on Monday, 24 November 2025, EAT, when Mr. Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), issued a formal letter to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. In the letter, Gachagua accused Vice Chair Fahima Abdallah of gross misconduct and a plot to interfere with the Magarini poll.

Gachagua alleged that on Friday, 21 November 2025, EAT, Ms. Abdallah traveled to Magarini where she "bullied, intimidated and coerced" local electoral officials. He claimed she demanded a complete list of presiding officers and their contacts. Furthermore, Gachagua asserted that Ms. Abdallah later met with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro at a hotel in Malindi, where discussions about influencing the by-election in favor of a specific candidate allegedly took place.

The DCP leader argued that Ms. Abdallah's actions violated an internal IEBC policy that prevents commissioners from being deployed to oversee elections in their home regions, a measure designed to ensure impartiality. He demanded the immediate replacement of all presiding officers in Magarini and called for Ms. Abdallah's resignation, stating her conduct "casts every doubt" on the IEBC's ability to conduct a free and fair election in 2027.

UDA's Forceful Rebuttal

In a swift and sharply worded response on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, EAT, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed Gachagua's claims as baseless and malicious. The party's letter to the IEBC characterized Gachagua's accusations as "political tantrums" stemming from a fear of defeat in the by-election.

UDA described Gachagua's letter as a "misguided missile of pent-up vendetta and a tantrum rendered in paragraphs," filled with "sensational accusations." The party defended the commission's integrity, stating that the selection of electoral officials is governed strictly by law and institutional procedure, not the "whims of an emotionally chaotic individual."

Mr. Omar's letter further accused Mr. Gachagua of launching a personal attack meant to discredit a young woman in a leadership position, asserting that this contravenes constitutional principles of promoting gender equality. The ruling party urged the IEBC to "exercise maximum legal reflection" when dealing with the former Deputy President, citing his "long and well-documented disregard for public order." UDA also called on other state institutions to investigate what it termed Gachagua's "insensate calls to chaos every time he senses defeat."

IEBC Pledges Credible Poll

Responding to the public dispute, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon issued a statement on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, EAT, acknowledging receipt of Gachagua's letter and describing the allegations as "weighty." He assured all political stakeholders that the commission is committed to delivering a free, fair, and transparent by-election in Magarini.

Mr. Ethekon clarified that the list of polling officials had been shared with all political parties on 14 November 2025, EAT, to allow for representations or concerns to be raised. He defended the commission's processes and the integrity of its officials, including Vice Chair Abdallah, stating that they operate strictly within the law and are not subject to intimidation or undue influence.

A Deepening Political Rift

The public spat is the latest chapter in the turbulent relationship between Rigathi Gachagua and the UDA party he helped bring to power. Gachagua was impeached as Deputy President in October 2024 and subsequently resigned from the UDA in May 2025, citing a betrayal of the party's campaign promises. UDA, in turn, has branded him a "toxic, archaic, polarising and viscous individual," welcoming his departure.

This confrontation over the Magarini by-election serves as a crucial test for the Ethekon-led IEBC, which is working to build public trust after a contentious selection process. For Kenyans, it highlights the deep political fractures and personality-driven conflicts that continue to shape the nation's governance landscape, raising the stakes for the electoral contests leading up to 2027.