The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has come out strongly in defense of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of making what it described as “delusional and alarming remarks” against the electoral body ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a letter dated July 15, 2026, and addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, UDA leaders criticized Gachagua’s recent communication to the Commission, arguing that his allegations against the electoral agency lacked evidence and risked undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The ruling party accused the former Deputy President of attempting to portray the IEBC as partisan and claimed that his assertions amounted to political theatrics rather than legitimate concerns about electoral integrity.
UDA further argued that allegations of voter bribery, undue influence and electoral manipulation raised by Gachagua should be pursued through established legal and institutional channels if supported by evidence.
The party also defended the Commission’s independence, saying election officials and security agencies involved in the by-election preparations should be allowed to carry out their duties without political pressure or intimidation.
The letter additionally criticized claims that government officials were involved in influencing the by-election, describing the allegations as speculative and unsupported.
UDA urged the electoral commission to conduct the Ol Kalou by-election professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law, while resisting what it termed as “blackmail, ultimatums and the politics of manufactured crisis.”
The exchange comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which has attracted national attention and intensified scrutiny over the conduct of campaigns and electoral institutions.
The letter was signed by UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, underscoring the party’s support for the IEBC as preparations for polling day enter the final stages.