Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that residents of Ol Kalou are being lured into surrendering their national identity cards in exchange for government-issued items ahead of the July 16, 2026, by-election, urging voters to reject the alleged scheme and safeguard their constitutional right to vote.

In a post on his Facebook Page on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Gachagua said that reports from the constituency indicated that some residents were being asked to hand over their identity cards in return for free gas cylinders and government-branded mattresses.

He argued that the exercise was aimed at disenfranchising voters before they cast their ballots in the upcoming by-election.

“Reports reaching me from Olkalou are that residents are being asked to surrender their identity cards in exchange for a free gas cylinder and a GoK branded mattress. This is a scheme to deny you the opportunity and right to vote on the by-elections of July 16, 2026,” Gachagua said.

Do not surrender your ID

The former Deputy President urged residents not to hand over their identity cards to anyone under any circumstances, insisting that the document remains the most important tool for exercising their democratic rights.

He maintained that wananchi should accept any development projects or donations extended by the government but refuse to relinquish documents that could prevent them from participating in the election.

“Please don’t surrender your Identity Card to anyone. Let the Government and UDA campaigners give you the gas cylinder and a GoK mattress, but do not give away your voting right,” he said.

Claims over campaign goodies

Gachagua further stated that the government’s renewed development activities in Ol Kalou were politically motivated and linked to the forthcoming by-election.

He listed several projects and donations that he said had suddenly been rolled out in the area, arguing that residents should receive the benefits without allowing them to influence their vote.

“Let the regime deliver even speed boats, transformers, bullet trains, water tanks, milk and potato coolers and all that has not been delivered to Olkalou since 1963. It is time,” he stated.

Calls for voters to remain firm

The former Mathira MP praised residents for what he described as resisting inducements and cash handouts, urging them to remain steadfast until polling day.

He appealed to the electorate to protect their constitutional right to vote and avoid being swayed by last-minute incentives.

“My great people of Olkalou, do not give away your voting right. You have so far done very well in resisting goodies and cash to sway you. Don’t be deceived at the last minute. Stay firm, descendants of Mau Mau,” Gachagua said.

His remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, with parties stepping up campaigns in what is expected to be a closely watched contest..