IEBC’s rocky start amid rigging claims ahead of next week’s mini-polls
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing a rocky start in its maiden undertaking during next week’s by elections despite being stalked by controversy since inception and latest alleged poll rigging claims but IEBC has since denied the allegations.
The aspersions cast on the Erastus Ethekon led team have renewed scrutiny of the poll agency after former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the commission’s vice chairperson, Fahima Araphat of plotting to interfere with the Magarini parliamentary race.
However, today evening, IEBC has dismissed allegations of electoral malpractice in the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election and assured political parties and the public that the poll scheduled for November 27, 2025, will be conducted with full integrity and transparency.
In a letter to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon dated November 24, Gachagua alleged that Araphat had “bullied, intimidated, and coerced” electoral officials in Magarini and engaged in a bribery scheme with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro to influence the poll’s outcome.
Gachagua claimed that the vice chairperson demanded the full list and contacts of all presiding officers and later met Governor Mung’aro at a Malindi hotel, where a bribery negotiation allegedly took place.
According to him, the governor handed over a bribe deposit to Araphat the following day in exchange for access to election officials and their deployment details.
“It is shocking and utterly unbelievable that a commissioner of IEBC at the level of a Vice Chairperson can be involved in an extreme drive to bungle a by-election,” Gachagua wrote, further demanding the replacement of IEBC officials in Magarini and protection of staff from “harassment and intimidation.”
In its response, the IEBC acknowledged receipt of the complaint but strongly rejected the allegations, stating that while the concerns raised were weighty, all procedures had been followed in accordance with the law.
The Commission emphasized that Returning Officers were appointed on August 8, 2025, through Gazette Notices Nos. 11158 and 11159, asserting that these officials are independent, law-abiding, and not subject to undue influence.
The Commission also defended its recruitment process, noting that the hiring of poll officials complies with the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, which mandate a transparent and competitive procedure.
IEBC added that the list of selected officials was shared with political parties on November 14, 2025, to allow room for observations or objections.
According to the Commission, all poll officials are currently undergoing training, and no deployment to polling stations or tallying centres has taken place.
It assured the public that the Magarini by-election will be conducted within the full electoral-legal framework and in the presence of accredited observers, political party agents, and other authorized stakeholders to reinforce transparency and public trust.
IEBC further stated that all election officials have been instructed to act lawfully, impartially, and professionally at all times, emphasizing that they do not take directions from political actors or external interests.
Reaffirming its commitment to a credible process, the commission maintained that safeguarding the integrity of the Magarini by-election remains a top priority.
“The commission will continue to uphold the Constitution, the law, and all applicable regulations in the discharge of our mandate,” the statement read.
