The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent letter to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), dismissing it as “delusional” and accusing him of attempting to discredit the electoral body for political mileage.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the ruling party rejected Gachagua’s claims regarding the commission’s conduct, arguing that the former deputy president had failed to present a legitimate complaint and was instead advancing what it described as a “long-running soap opera” of political victimhood.

UDA, in its statement, has also said that it had read Gachagua’s eight-page memorandum to the electoral commission with astonishment and pity, accusing him of mistaking personal grievances for a national conspiracy.

“The letter addressed to you is not a complaint. It is the latest instalment in the long-running soap opera starring Rigathi Gachagua as the tragic hero who has never encountered an institution he does not accuse of aiding his enemies,” the UDA party stated.

The party further stated that Gachagua’s repeated attacks on public institutions had become a defining feature of his political conduct, saying he had developed “a remarkable flair for converting personal setbacks into national conspiracies”.

UDA also recalled Gachagua’s impeachment, arguing that he lacked the moral authority to lecture the IEBC on electoral integrity.

According to the statement, Gachagua was impeached over multiple allegations, including gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, corruption and conduct deemed ethnically divisive.

“The same man who now purports to lecture the IEBC on the sanctity of process was, until recently, the second-highest office holder in the land,” the statement read.

The ruling party further alleged that during his tenure as deputy president, Gachagua faced accusations relating to unexplained wealth and integrity issues, adding that he now seeks to portray himself as the sole defender of electoral justice.

UDA also dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the IEBC operates as an appendage of powerful political figures, describing the allegations as rhetorical and unsupported by evidence.

The party argued that while Gachagua had accused the commission of remaining silent over alleged electoral irregularities in previous by-elections, he had failed to acknowledge violence allegedly linked to individuals within his own political camp.

UDA backs IEBC on MP Wanjiku Muhia’s disciplinary action

The statement further stated that political activities associated with Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) in the Mt Kenya region had become centres of incitement and unrest.

UDA also addressed Gachagua’s reference to former Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Wanjiku Muhia, whose case he had cited as evidence of alleged bias by the IEBC.

According to the party, Muhia had been indicted over allegations of incitement, intimidation and threats against residents of Ol Kalou, adding that Gachagua had never publicly condemned what it termed inflammatory conduct by his allies.

The ruling party concluded by urging the IEBC not to be distracted by what it described as calculated attempts to undermine the commission, insisting that defending the institution’s credibility remains essential to safeguarding Kenya’s constitutional democracy.

Gachagua’s letter to IEBC

The statement from the UDA party comes hours after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to remain impartial and called for guarantees that Thursday’s Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.

In a letter addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, Gachagua argued that the commission had lost public trust, accusing it of selectively enforcing electoral laws in favour of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He referenced previous by-elections in Malava, Mbeere North and Narok Town Ward, alleging that the electoral body failed to take action against incidents of voter bribery, intimidation and election-related violence involving politicians aligned with the government.

Gachagua also criticised the commission’s disciplinary action against Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, claiming she was subjected to unfair treatment and denied due process.

The former Deputy President further argued that Cabinet secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other senior state officials openly campaigned for the UDA candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election without facing any action from the IEBC.

He also expressed concern over the credibility of the July 16 by-election, saying he had received information about a meeting held on July 13 involving UDA officials, government officers and political leaders, which he claimed raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process.