NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has threatened legal action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing allegations linking him to attempts to influence the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and accusing the former deputy president of spreading false and defamatory claims.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ichung’wah described Gachagua’s allegations as “reckless, false and malicious,” saying they were intended to undermine both his personal integrity and the credibility of the electoral process.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election, which has drawn increased scrutiny following allegations of electoral misconduct and recent enforcement action by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Ichung’wah Rejects Election Interference Claims
The Majority Leader denied claims that he had held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners or other state officials to influence the outcome of the by-election.
He termed the allegations baseless and defamatory, arguing they existed only in Gachagua’s imagination.
“It is now abundantly clear that Mr. Gachagua is a man gripped by panic,” Ichung’wah said.
“His claims that I have held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners to influence the election are entirely false, baseless and defamatory.”
Ichung’wah further rejected allegations that he had bribed IEBC officials, saying such accusations unfairly questioned both his integrity and the credibility of Kenya’s electoral management body.
Majority Leader Announces Legal Action
Saying the allegations had crossed into an attack on his reputation, Ichung’wah announced plans to seek legal redress.
He said the courts would provide the appropriate forum for determining the truthfulness of the claims made against him.
“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 stated.
“He will have the opportunity to substantiate every allegation he has made before a court of law.”
The Majority Leader maintained that political statements made during campaigns must ultimately withstand judicial scrutiny where serious allegations are involved.
Counter-Accusations Over Campaign Conduct
Ichung’wah also accused Gachagua’s political allies of distributing inflammatory leaflets in Ol Kalou in what he described as an attempt to intimidate voters after allegedly realising their campaign was losing momentum.
He claimed the former Deputy President was relying on divisive politics and ethnic mobilisation rather than presenting policy alternatives to voters.
Without providing evidence in the statement, Ichung’wah alleged that Gachagua’s campaign had resorted to propaganda and misinformation during the by-election period.
Calls for Peaceful Poll
The Majority Leader urged residents of Ol Kalou to reject intimidation and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
He said voters should make their decision freely and democratically without being influenced by political propaganda or divisive rhetoric.
“The people of Ol Kalou will not be intimidated, distracted or manipulated. They will make their choice peacefully, freely and democratically,” the statement read.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of By-Election
The exchange comes as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election, with the IEBC recently warning against breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Earlier on Friday, the electoral 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 commission also warned that continued violations of the code could attract tougher sanctions, including disqualification from future elections.
Multiple Claims Yet to Be Independently Verified
The allegations exchanged between Ichung’wah and Gachagua regarding election interference, meetings with public officials, bribery claims, and campaign conduct remain contested.
At the time of publication, Gachagua had not publicly responded to Ichung’wah’s statement or the threat of legal action. Likewise, no court proceedings had been initiated regarding the claims outlined in the statement.
The developments underscore the increasingly adversarial political environment surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election and are likely to intensify debate over campaign conduct and adherence to Kenya’s electoral laws as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.