Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that he personally briefed American Democrats on electoral tactics that played out during the Ol Kalou by-election, crediting that guidance with their sweep of both the Senate and the House of Congress. Gachagua made these remarks while addressing lawyers at the second edition of the Gema Watho Extravaganza held at Thika Greens Golf Club on November 7. The gathering also featured supporters of his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Gachagua praised residents of Ol Kalou, where government officials loyal to President William Ruto distributed goods ahead of the by-election in a bid to secure support for the UDA candidate. However, on election day, voters chose DCP's Sammy Ng'otho, who won with 35,440 votes against his closest rival's 5,450. Gachagua framed the tactic as a form of justified deception, arguing there is no crime in outmanoeuvring someone he characterised as dishonest.
Gachagua directed much of his speech at the legal professionals in the audience, calling on them to serve as election observers across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election. He urged them to interrogate the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) processes and ensure a credible poll. Gachagua specifically invoked the names of prominent lawyers, including Paul Mwite, Nelson Havi, and Martha Wangari Karua.
The former deputy president, who was himself removed from office through an impeachment process he has consistently challenged as unconstitutional, closed by pledging continued personal involvement in the push for political accountability. Gachagua also called on lawyers and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to take an active role in the 2027 general election to prevent what he termed electoral theft.
Gachagua claimed that he educated people in Texas on how to execute a similar electoral tactic, which they successfully used against Donald Trump. He described the tactic as the real thing and implied that it can be used to outmanoeuvre dishonest individuals. However, his comments have not been verified, and it is unclear how his guidance contributed to the US Democrats' win.
The former deputy president's remarks have sparked interest in the upcoming 2027 General Election, with many Kenyans eagerly awaiting the outcome. Gachagua's comments also highlight the role that lawyers and the LSK can play in ensuring a credible and fair electoral process. His call to action has resonated with some, who believe that the legal fraternity has a critical role to play in safeguarding the country's democracy.
Gachagua's speech was part of a broader effort to engage with citizens and promote his party's agenda ahead of the 2027 elections. His comments on the US Democrats' win and the Ol Kalou by-election outcome have generated significant interest and debate, with many Kenyans weighing in on the implications of his remarks. As the country prepares for the next general election, Gachagua's words are likely to continue to resonate with politicians, lawyers, and citizens alike.
Key points
- Gachagua claims his guidance contributed to the US Democrats' win in the Senate and House of Congress.
- He urged lawyers to serve as election observers and ensure a credible poll in the 2027 General Election.
- Gachagua framed the electoral tactic used in Ol Kalou as a form of justified deception against dishonest individuals.
