The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to guarantee a credible electoral process ahead of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, claiming there are plans to manipulate the July 16, 2026, poll.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the party, through its boss Rigathi Gachagua, said the commission has lost public confidence and called on it to ensure a free, fair, and verifiable election.

“I write to address you in my capacity as a leader in this country and in my civic duty as a responsible citizen. Take note that an election is more about the process than the outcome,” Gachagua said.

The party claimed that the electoral commission’s credibility had been eroded, alleging bias in favour of President William Ruto’s administration.

“Your Commission is on a record high on low trust and image. From the outset, Kenyans hold the view that your commission and yourself are an appendage and part of Mr. William Ruto,” Gachagua wrote.

Past electoral processes

The opposition party also accused the IEBC of turning a blind eye to alleged electoral offences during previous by-elections, including Malava, Mbeere North and Narok Town Ward, as well as failing to act against senior government officials it claims have campaigned for the UDA candidate in Ol Kalou.

“Why hasn’t IEBC questioned or sanctioned these officers? You have bungled your credibility totally, as you have planned to bungle the by-elections,” Gachagua said.

DCP also claimed that a meeting held in Gilgil on July 13, 2026, involving UDA officials, government officers and political leaders discussed strategies to influence the outcome of the by-election.

Gachagua’s claims

Among the claims made are that accreditation badges for DCP agents would be deliberately delayed, polling stations in opposition strongholds would open late, some voters would receive double ballot papers, and plainclothes police officers would be deployed to intimidate voters and party agents.

The party further alleged that power outages could be orchestrated to disrupt vote counting. The party urged the IEBC chair to publicly address the allegations before polling day.

“Mr. Chairman, can you confirm that all badges for agents will be issued by the close of business as per the law,” Gachagua said.

It also asked the commission to assure Kenyans that polling stations would open on time and that security agencies would not interfere with the election.

“Could you confirm that you have made adequate security measures to ensure no police interference in the election on July 16th, 2026, in Ol Kalou,” Gachagua asked.

DCP warned that the handling of the Ol Kalou by-election would be a key test of the commission’s credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Kenyans do not want to go the 2007 way, but you are clearly shaping the path towards that direction. You got a little opportunity… to prove yourself and your commission to the people of Kenya and the world that you are redeemable ahead of 10th August 2027 by ensuring that the July 16, 2026 polls in Ol Kalou are not bungled,” Gachagua said.