The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has vowed to pursue legal action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what it calls defamatory allegations of rigging in the upcoming Magarini by-election.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir accused Gachagua of making the claims to gain relevance for his party, describing him as a “former disgraced Deputy President, nothing else.” Nassir dismissed the accusations that Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro used county funds to campaign for the ODM candidate, insisting all campaigns were financed by individual contributions.
The threat of legal action was amplified by Governor Mung’aro himself, whose lawyers sent a formal demand letter to Gachagua. The letter requires a retraction and apology for what it termed “baseless, misleading, and defamatory” allegations. The governor’s legal team provided a detailed schedule to refute Gachagua’s specific claim that Mung’aro had met with senior IEBC officials to manipulate the poll.
Nassir expressed confidence in an ODM victory, stating that opponents had “sensed defeat” and were resorting to “political theatrics.” The escalating conflict sets a tense stage for the by-election, with ODM urging its supporters to remain calm and turn out in large numbers while calling on state agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
By James Kisoo
