Gachagua Accuses IEBC Vice Chair of Interference in Magarini By-Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdalla of attempting to influence the upcoming Magarini by-election scheduled for November 27.

During a media briefing on Sunday, November 24, Gachagua claimed that Abdalla was forwarding names of her preferred presiding officers to senior Kilifi County officials in a bid to sway the poll. He also alleged that she has been threatening IEBC officers in the constituency, including returning officers, to compel them to compromise the process.

Gachagua said he will write to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon this week, demanding action against the vice chair.
“We were beginning to trust the IEBC, but I have received reports that the vice chairperson is interfering with the Magarini by-election,” he said. “She met senior county officials at a hotel and gave them a list of presiding officers she wants to use to influence the poll.”

He criticised Abdalla for allegedly meddling in an election that had already been nullified over irregularities. He argued that her reported conduct undermines the credibility of the commission.
“If she can interfere with a by-election, how will Kenyans trust the IEBC to manage the 2027 General Election?” Gachagua asked.

He further urged the vice chairperson to resign, saying the commission risks losing more public confidence if the allegations go unaddressed.

The fresh claims come two days after Gachagua alleged that some political actors were paying youths for their ID cards to rig the November 27 Mbeere North by-election.