Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has sparked controversy after urging residents of Mathira to prevent agents affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from accessing polling stations during the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to hundreds of grassroots mobilisers at his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto and his political allies before calling on residents to take what he described as a hard-line approach towards UDA agents.
“Wacha tutangaze operation fagia wasaliti wa siasa, takataka ya siasa. Kasongo fagilia. Wangapi wanasema tufagie Kasongo?” Gachagua posed.
Gachagua Targets UDA Agents
Gachagua appeared to instruct his supporters to prevent agents representing Ruto’s party from operating at polling stations across Mathira.
He said the only polling station where he would allow an agent affiliated with the ruling party was one represented by Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi.
“Isipokuwa Dimaine polling station, Kasongo asikuwe na agent hata mmoja, Wamumbi. Kwanza hapa kwangu, Sagana Primary School, nisipate agent wa Kasongo. Kwanza huyu Wamumbi asipitishe kura 600. Kura mia moja kila polling station,” he stated.
The former Deputy President also claimed that Mathira played a significant role in helping Ruto consolidate support and defeat former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 presidential election.
“Huyu Kasongo tumemsaidia. Alikuwa amefinywa na Uhuru hadi anatoa makamasi. Aende asiende?” he posed.
Remarks Raise Questions Over Electoral Law
Gachagua’s comments have raised questions over the legality of attempts to prevent duly accredited political party agents from accessing polling stations.
Under Section 30 of the Elections Act and the relevant Elections (General) Regulations, duly appointed party agents have an important role in observing voting, counting and tallying processes.
The law also provides penalties for anyone who obstructs or hinders an elections officer, candidate or agent from performing their lawful duties. Such an offence can attract a fine of up to KSh500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The Elections Act also criminalises the publication or dissemination of information intended to disrupt an election or create hostility or fear for the purpose of influencing the electoral process or its outcome.
Any attempt to unlawfully prevent accredited agents from accessing polling stations could therefore interfere with the conduct of the election and expose those involved to potential legal consequences.
Gachagua’s remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mathira emerging as a key battleground in the evolving political contest.
