Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused political leaders of buying national IDs from youths to rig the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. The allegations, made on November 22, 2025, highlight rising tensions as top politicians campaign for their candidates ahead of the November 27 vote. Moses Kuria has separately called for enhanced security to prevent electoral malpractice and chaos.
Political tensions in Mbeere North, Embu County, have escalated ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-election for the parliamentary seat. During a media interview on Saturday, November 22, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that some leaders are paying youths up to Ksh5,000 for their national IDs to prevent them from voting. He described this as a plot to rig the elections, orchestrated by senior figures from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
"I have just been told that some leaders are buying IDs for young people so that they don't go and vote... It is very sad if you sell your ID for Ksh5,000 or Ksh2,000 and then you deny yourself the right to choose a representative who will determine your future," Gachagua said. He also claimed leaders are offering money to divert votes to their preferred candidates and urged Gen-Z youths to resist, noting their role in opposing government wrongdoings and vowing to limit Ruto to one term. "The Gen-Zs are the pillar of transformation in our country... It will be sad for our Gen-Zs to accept money from the leader for them to choose someone else," he added.
Gachagua is campaigning for United Opposition candidate Newton Karish, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki supports UDA's Leonard Muthende, and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria backs Ireri Mbui of Chama Cha Kazi Party.
Hours earlier on the same day, Kuria, in a press briefing, warned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against tolerating insecurity or malpractice. He said he had discussed reinforced security with senior officials to protect campaign leaders and avert chaos, which could damage Kenya's international reputation. "I was here in 2007, and I saw what Kenya went through... If you look in Narok, Mbeere North, and other areas, there is widespread insecurity. I want to ask President William Ruto directly, the international community is watching," Kuria stated. He emphasized that Kenyans would not tolerate vote-stealing, referencing past events and recent attacks elsewhere, like on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.