DCP claims there is plot to rig Narok Town Ward by-election
By Joel Masibo, November 25, 2025The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has warned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing state agents of planning to rig the upcoming Narok Town Ward by-election and unleash violence on residents.
In a letter dated Tuesday, November 25, 2025, addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, DCP, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, expresses deep concern that the mini polls in Narok Ward may be marred by intimidation, voter suppression, brutality, and the declaration of a pre-determined winner.
State-sponsored violence
According to the statement, DCP points out that on Monday, November 24, 2025, hundreds of uniformed and civilian-clothed police officers, accompanied by state-sponsored militia, mounted illegal roadblocks to block DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde from campaigning in Narok Town.
The party claims their team was ambushed and attacked: supporters, including women and children, were allegedly beaten with clubs, machetes and whips. DCP also says tear gas and live ammunition were reportedly fired indiscriminately. The party has also added that there are plans to block DCP agents from the tallying centre.
The letter further warns that on the material day of voting, state-sponsored groups intend to harass and intimidate DCP polling agents, bar the party’s chief agent and candidate from the tallying centre, and use goons and police to force the returning officer to declare the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate the winner.
Also watch: IEBC reacts to Gachagua urging voters to remain at polling centres after voting.
Demands to IEBC
“Mr Chairman, it is upon you and your commission to get the trust of the people of Kenya,” Rigathi Gachagua took to X, accompanying the letter to IEBC.
The party has listed several demands to IEBC, calling on the Commission to guarantee adequate security for all contestants and voters and preside over a credible, free, fair, and verifiable election. DCP also wants IEBC to offer equal and unrestricted access to polling stations, tallying centres, and election materials, among other grievances.
DCP also demands that the IEBC Chair personally pronounce himself on the alleged plot and prevent any attempts to force through an outcome in favour of the UDA candidate.
Warning of potential ethnic violence
Also, the letter draws parallels between the current tensions and the 1992 tribal clashes in Narok, where members of one community were targeted and blocked from voting. DCP states that the emerging pattern of intimidation reflects a “playbook” that could trigger ethnic violence if not contained.