The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has accused Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah of interfering with the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the vice chairperson engaged in intimidation, irregular meetings, and a bribery scheme aimed at influencing the poll.
Gachagua claimed that Abdallah travelled to Magarini on November 21, where she allegedly bullied and coerced electoral officers overseeing the by-election.
He further alleged that she demanded the full list and contacts of presiding officers and later held a meeting at a Malindi hotel with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and IEBC commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana.
According to the DCP, the meeting allegedly involved negotiations for a bribe in exchange for access to sensitive election logistics. Gachagua alleges that after the governor allegedly made a deposit the following day, Abdallah handed over the list of presiding officers and directed officials to work with Governor Mung’aro’s team.
He further claimed that Abdallah spent two nights at the same hotel, saying the IEBC chairperson could verify her presence through booking records and CCTV footage.
“It is shocking and utterly unbelievable that a commissioner at the level of a vice chairperson can be involved in an extreme drive to bungle a by-election,” Gachagua wrote, adding that the conduct raises serious concerns about the credibility of the IEBC ahead of the 2027 General Election.The DCP leader warned that public trust in the commission was already fragile, noting that the Magarini by-election itself was triggered by electoral malpractice in 2022. He accused the IEBC leadership of failing to demonstrate impartiality.
Gachagua demanded the immediate replacement of all presiding officers in Magarini, protection for electoral staff from harassment, and an investigation into Abdallah’s conduct. He also called for the vice chairperson to step aside pending the probe.
“You have the moral duty and responsibility to earn the trust of the people of Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” he told the IEBC chair, warning that any perception of bias could destabilise the country.The IEBC has not yet responded to the allegations.
