Speaking during a media briefing on November 24, 2025, Gachagua claimed that Abdalla was allegedly sharing the names of her preferred presiding officers with senior county officials. He said this could influence the outcome of the by-election scheduled for November 27.
According to Gachagua, the vice chairperson has also been intimidating other IEBC officials overseeing the elections, including returning officers, to ensure the process is compromised.
“We were beginning to trust the IEBC, but I have received reports that the vice chairperson is meddling with the elections in Magarini. She met senior county officials at a hotel and handed them the list of presiding officers she wants in place,” Gachagua said.
He added that he plans to write to IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon this week, requesting immediate action to prevent election interference. Gachagua warned that failure to act could further damage the credibility of the commission.
“The vice chairperson should resign if she cannot ensure transparency. How can Kenyans trust the commission if its leaders interfere in elections?” Gachagua questioned.
The former deputy president’s allegations come shortly after he claimed that some political leaders are attempting to buy voters’ IDs in Mbeere North to manipulate the November 27 by-election. Gachagua said some youths were being offered up to Ksh5,000 to divert their votes.
“The Gen-Zs are the pillar of transformation in our country. They are the ones opposing government wrongdoings, and they vowed to make President Ruto a one-term leader. It would be disappointing if they accept money and betray that mission,” he said.
Gachagua accused leaders, mostly from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), of bribing youths to support their candidates. He emphasized that the younger generation has a critical role in shaping Kenya’s political future.
“If young people are bribed, they risk undermining the very change they have been fighting for. We are watching closely to see how they respond,” he added.
Gachagua also highlighted that the Magarini constituency had previously seen election irregularities, which led to the annulment of prior results. He argued that any interference now could worsen public distrust in the electoral process.