Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out sharply after his preferred candidate was defeated in the Mbeere North by-election, issuing a strongly worded statement that has intensified the political debate surrounding the mini-poll.
According to Gachagua, the by-election was marred by what he described as a blatant misuse of state machinery. He accused government operatives of employing goons and deploying heavily armed police officers disguised in civilian clothes to influence the outcome. Gachagua argued that these tactics compromised the integrity of the vote and robbed the people of Mbeere North of a free and fair electoral process.
In his statement, he warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the country as it heads toward the 2027 General Elections. He cautioned that manipulating elections through intimidation and coercion would only sow seeds of mistrust and deepen political divisions. “Use of goons and heavily armed police in civilian clothes to overturn the will of the people sets the stage for serious acrimony ahead of the 2027 General Elections as witnessed in Mbeere North and Malava,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks have triggered a wave of reactions across the political spectrum. His allies echoed his concerns, insisting that the events in the two constituencies reflect a worrying trend of interference designed to silence certain political voices. They argue that unless addressed, such practices could undermine Kenya’s democratic foundation.
On the other hand, critics accuse Gachagua of rejecting the results simply because his candidate lost. They argue that security presence during by-elections is not unusual and defend the process as lawful and transparent. Still, the forceful tone of Gachagua’s statement has kept the issue alive and fuelled speculation about deepening tensions within the political class.
Analysts now say the fallout from the Mbeere North by-election may be a preview of the political battles expected in the run-up to 2027. With regional alliances shifting and national ambitions rising, every contest is becoming a test of strength, loyalty, and influence.
For now, Gachagua’s warning has injected fresh urgency into discussions about electoral integrity. Whether independent bodies will step in to review the concerns remains unclear, but the debate is far from over.
