The allegations emerged shortly after provisional results from the mini-poll showed UDA candidate David Keter taking an early lead in a race that attracted national attention and intense political interest.
According to preliminary figures circulating online, Keter had reportedly garnered nearly 18,000 votes while Rotich trailed with approximately 10,000 votes.
Even before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially announced the final outcome, social media had already exploded with reactions after photos surfaced showing the two rival candidates smiling and interacting warmly together.
The images quickly generated debate among Kenyans online, with some interpreting the scene as a display of political maturity and peaceful democratic competition.
Even before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially announced the final outcome, social media had already exploded with reactions after photos surfaced showing the two rival candidates smiling and interacting warmly together.
The images quickly generated debate among Kenyans online, with some interpreting the scene as a display of political maturity and peaceful democratic competition.
Others, however, questioned whether the apparent closeness between the candidates pointed to deeper political connections behind the scenes.
It was during the growing online discussion that Wahome Thuku made explosive claims suggesting that Vincent Rotich may have been strategically planted in the race to serve the interests of UDA.
According to Thuku, the DCP candidate allegedly acted as a political “mole” whose mission was to split votes or provide an alternative backup plan for forces aligned to President William Ruto.
“The DCP candidate was UDA’s second bet. What you call a mole,” Thuku claimed in a statement shared online.
He went further to allege that if Rotich had won the seat, he would have eventually joined President Ruto’s political camp immediately after being sworn into office.
It was during the growing online discussion that Wahome Thuku made explosive claims suggesting that Vincent Rotich may have been strategically planted in the race to serve the interests of UDA.
According to Thuku, the DCP candidate allegedly acted as a political “mole” whose mission was to split votes or provide an alternative backup plan for forces aligned to President William Ruto.
“The DCP candidate was UDA’s second bet. What you call a mole,” Thuku claimed in a statement shared online.
He went further to allege that if Rotich had won the seat, he would have eventually joined President Ruto’s political camp immediately after being sworn into office.
Thuku also claimed that individuals linked to the government quietly financed the DCP campaigns during the Emurua Dikirr contest.
His remarks immediately sparked heated reactions across social media platforms, with supporters from rival political factions sharply divided over the claims.
Some users agreed with Thuku’s allegations, arguing that Kenyan politics is often shaped by hidden alliances, secret negotiations, and strategic political games designed to influence outcomes behind the scenes. Others dismissed the accusations as baseless speculation lacking any concrete evidence.
Supporters of Vincent Rotich defended the DCP candidate, insisting that his campaign was genuine and reflected growing public dissatisfaction with established political parties in the region.
His remarks immediately sparked heated reactions across social media platforms, with supporters from rival political factions sharply divided over the claims.
Some users agreed with Thuku’s allegations, arguing that Kenyan politics is often shaped by hidden alliances, secret negotiations, and strategic political games designed to influence outcomes behind the scenes. Others dismissed the accusations as baseless speculation lacking any concrete evidence.
Supporters of Vincent Rotich defended the DCP candidate, insisting that his campaign was genuine and reflected growing public dissatisfaction with established political parties in the region.
They argued that Rotich’s performance demonstrated the rise of new political voices challenging traditional dominance in the South Rift.
The by-election itself had already become politically significant due to the increasing rivalry between emerging political formations and the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers say the contest was being closely monitored because it offered an early indication of shifting alliances and voter sentiment in a region considered crucial in national politics.
Despite the controversy, neither Vincent Rotich nor officials from the DCP party had publicly responded to Wahome Thuku’s allegations by the time the debate intensified online. Similarly, leaders within UDA had not issued any official statement regarding the claims.
Meanwhile, the IEBC continued with the tallying and verification process as supporters from different camps anxiously awaited the official declaration of results.
The heated exchanges surrounding the by-election once again highlighted the tense and unpredictable nature of Kenya’s political landscape, where even local contests can quickly trigger national political storms.
The by-election itself had already become politically significant due to the increasing rivalry between emerging political formations and the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers say the contest was being closely monitored because it offered an early indication of shifting alliances and voter sentiment in a region considered crucial in national politics.
Despite the controversy, neither Vincent Rotich nor officials from the DCP party had publicly responded to Wahome Thuku’s allegations by the time the debate intensified online. Similarly, leaders within UDA had not issued any official statement regarding the claims.
Meanwhile, the IEBC continued with the tallying and verification process as supporters from different camps anxiously awaited the official declaration of results.
The heated exchanges surrounding the by-election once again highlighted the tense and unpredictable nature of Kenya’s political landscape, where even local contests can quickly trigger national political storms.