Kimani Ichung’wah Threatens to Sue Rigathi Gachagua Over Ol Kalou By-Election Claims
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has threatened to sue former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over allegations linking him to attempts to influence the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, dismissing the claims as false, malicious and defamatory.
The dispute marks the latest escalation in an increasingly heated political contest ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election, where allegations of electoral misconduct have intensified scrutiny of campaign activities.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of making baseless claims designed to damage both his personal reputation and public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
Ichung’wah dismisses election interference allegations
The Majority Leader firmly rejected claims that he had held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners or other government officials to influence the outcome of the by-election.
Describing the allegations as fabricated, he insisted they existed only in the imagination of the former Deputy President.
“It is now abundantly clear that Mr. Gachagua is a man gripped by panic.”
“His claims that I have held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners to influence the election are entirely false, baseless and defamatory.”
Ichung’wah also denied allegations that he had bribed officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the accusations unfairly questioned both his integrity and the credibility of Kenya’s electoral management body.
Majority Leader vows to seek legal redress
Saying the allegations had crossed the line from political rhetoric into a direct attack on his character, Ichung’wah announced that he would pursue legal action against Gachagua.
He maintained that the courts would provide the proper platform for establishing whether the claims could be substantiated.
“Because these empty political rhetoric now touches on my integrity, to preserve the sanctity of our electoral processes and protect our democracy, I will take legal action against Mr. Gachagua.”
“He will have the opportunity to substantiate every allegation he has made before a court of law.”
Ichung’wah argued that serious accusations made during political campaigns should ultimately be tested through the judicial process.
Counter-accusations over campaign conduct
The Majority Leader also turned the spotlight on Gachagua’s political allies, accusing them of distributing inflammatory leaflets in Ol Kalou in an attempt to intimidate voters after allegedly realising their campaign was losing momentum.
Without presenting evidence in his statement, Ichung’wah further alleged that Gachagua’s campaign had resorted to propaganda, misinformation and divisive ethnic politics instead of offering policy alternatives to the electorate.
Call for peaceful elections
Amid the rising political temperatures, Ichung’wah urged Ol Kalou residents to reject intimidation and exercise their democratic right peacefully.
He said voters should make independent choices without being influenced by propaganda or divisive political messaging.
“The people of Ol Kalou will not be intimidated, distracted or manipulated. They will make their choice peacefully, freely and democratically.”
IEBC warns against breaches of electoral rules
The exchange comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission steps up enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct ahead of the by-election.
Earlier on Friday, the commission fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5 million after finding that she had breached the Electoral Code of Conduct by making inflammatory remarks during a political rally in Nyandarua County.
The electoral body also warned that politicians who continue violating campaign regulations risk tougher penalties, including possible disqualification from future elections.
Claims remain contested
The allegations exchanged between Ichung’wah and Gachagua over election interference, meetings with public officials, bribery allegations and campaign conduct remain contested and have not been independently verified.
At the time of publication, Gachagua had not publicly responded to Ichung’wah’s statement or the threatened legal action. Likewise, no court proceedings had been initiated concerning the allegations.
The latest confrontation underscores the increasingly adversarial political climate surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election and is expected to fuel further debate over campaign conduct, electoral integrity and compliance with Kenya’s election laws as attention shifts towards the 2027 General Election.
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