By H, KNA
Leaders from the Bajuni Council of Elders have faulted recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua targeting IEBC Deputy Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdalla.
They described the claims as unverified and warned that such statements risk weakening public confidence in electoral institutions.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, Sultan Omar Sharif Ali and Sheikh Abu Qatada led the leaders in dismissing claims that the IEBC official was involved in plans to manipulate the upcoming by-election.
They said the IEBC follows a clear election management process supervised by accredited observers and independent monitors.
They noted that no polling official deployed to the by-election had been linked to any political interest.
“Polling officials were competitively and transparently selected in full compliance with the Elections Regulations 2012,” Sultan Omar said, adding that the Commission’s processes are governed by strict legal procedures.
The leaders described the former Deputy President’s remarks as unverified, irresponsible, and politically motivated, warning that such claims risk eroding public trust in Kenya’s electoral processes.
“These claims are unsubstantiated, reckless, and deeply irresponsible. They undermine the credibility of the IEBC and amount to an attack on constitutional institutions without evidence,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
Women leaders from the Coast warned that they would not tolerate attacks on any woman constitutionally mandated to serve the country.
Barkhyia Ali Athman, from Kenyan Muslim women, asked coastal women to stand firm and not allow harassment of their sister Fahima, the Deputy Chairperson of IEBC.
“If you claim to be an upcoming President yet you spread hatred, know that we are watching. We know our rights, we are educated, and we will come to your home and tell you to stop harassing us,” Ms Athman said.
Farida Rashid, another prominent coastal voice, condemned the remarks as degrading to women and said the former Deputy President’s words show no love or respect for women, especially Swahili women.
“We, the women of the coast, believe in ourselves. We refuse to let anyone speak ill of one of our own. If Gachagua does not know how to respect women, then coast women will teach him what respect truly means,” Ms Rashid said.
The leaders called for an immediate cessation of misinformation campaigns and respect for the IEBC’s institutional independence as enshrined in Article 88 of the Constitution.
They urged responsible conduct from all political leaders and protection of Ms Fahima Araphat Abdalla from unwarranted political pressure.
They emphasised that the coming by-election should be allowed to proceed without interference or intimidation and be decided by the will of the people, not political coercion or unfounded allegations.
“Any grievances should be submitted to the appropriate investigative agencies, not tried in the court of public opinion,” the leaders stated.