Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdalla of attempting to influence the upcoming Magarini by-election, scheduled for November 27 in Kilifi County.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, November 24, Gachagua alleged that the IEBC official is quietly pushing for her preferred presiding officers to be assigned to polling stations in the constituency. According to him, the vice chairperson has been forwarding names to senior county administrators, despite having no mandate to do so.
He further claimed that Abdalla is exerting pressure on key IEBC personnel on the ground including returning officers to sway preparations in her favour.
Gachagua said he intends to write to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon this week, demanding answers and pushing for disciplinary action.
“We had begun regaining trust in the IEBC, but fresh reports indicate that the vice chairperson is interfering with the Magarini mini-poll,” he said. “This morning, I was informed she met senior county officials at a hotel and handed them a list of individuals she wants appointed as presiding officers.”
He added that her alleged actions contradict the circumstances that led to the nullification of the previous Magarini election, which was thrown out over irregularities.
“No commission team has been deployed there, yet she is already meddling,” Gachagua insisted. “I will be asking the chairperson to explain why this is happening.”
