Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah has threatened to sue former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over allegations linking him to an alleged plot to influence the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement, Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s claims as ‘reckless, false and malicious,’ accusing the DCP party leader of spreading propaganda after realizing that his preferred candidate was headed for defeat.
“I take great exception to the reckless, false and malicious allegations levelled against me today by Mr. Gachagua regarding the forthcoming Ol Kalou by-election,” Ichung’wah said.
The National Assembly Majority Leader denied allegations that he had held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners to influence the outcome of the by-election, describing the claims as baseless and defamatory.
“His claims that I have held meetings with Deputy County Commissioners to influence the election are entirely false, baseless and defamatory.
“They exist nowhere except in the imagination of a man who has built his politics on conspiracy theories, propaganda, hate and ethnic division,” he said.
Ichung’wah also dismissed Gachagua’s claims that he had attempted to bribe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission officials, saying the allegations were intended to tarnish both his reputation and the credibility of the electoral process.
He accused Gachagua of resorting to political theatrics instead of presenting a credible agenda to voters, claiming the former deputy president was acting out of desperation.
“It is now abundantly clear that Mr. Gachagua is a man gripped by panic. After weeks of chest-thumping and empty bravado, he has come face to face with the reality that his preferred candidate is headed for defeat,” Ichung’wah stated.
He further announced he would seek legal redress over the allegations, saying Gachagua would be required to substantiate his claims before a court of law.
“Because this empty political rhetoric now touches on my integrity, to preserve the sanctity of our electoral processes and protect our democracy, I will take legal action against Mr. Gachagua. He will have the opportunity to substantiate every allegation he has made before a court of law,” he said.
