MP Gikaria explains why IDs were demanded while giving Ksh.1.2M handouts in Ol Kalou

Speaking during an outreach programme in the constituency, Gikaria dismissed claims that the collection of ID details was aimed at influencing the vote, arguing that Kenya's electoral system relies on biometric verification rather than identity cards alone.

"Nyinyi vijana labda hamjawai piga kura lakini nani alipiga kura 2022? Kuna kitambulisho ilikuwa inaitishwa? Kama ID haitishwi, unatumia kidole. Hutaitishwa ID na hata hutaitishwa kadi ya kura," Gikaria said.

The MP maintained that no one could use another person's identity card to vote, insisting that voters must physically present themselves and be verified using their fingerprints.

He further explained that the identity card details were being recorded to verify that funds allocated for specific areas had reached the intended beneficiaries.

"Mimi nilipewa Ksh.250,000 jana na pia leo nimepewa Ksh.250,000. Wenye wananiitisha nataka kujua je uliongea na wapiga kura wa Githima na Nyakiangi. That's why they're asking for your IDs," he said.

Gikaria also disclosed that he had spent more money than initially planned after larger crowds turned up for the programme.

"Jana tulikuwa hapa, tukaskizana, kuna mtu yeyote alifukuzwa? Lakini mimi nilikuwa na Ksh.250,000 ya mikutano ya jana. Watu wakajaa. I had to go home and get another Ksh.800,000. Jana pekee yake hapa kwenu, nilitumia Ksh.1.2 million," he stated.

"Nikasema wale ambao wamekuja lakini hawajaalikwa wakae tu. Siku ya leo tutaenda na rika, tukianza na vijana, kesho tutaanza na wamama."

The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Ol Kalou ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election, amid claims that residents are being mobilised through cash handouts.

In May, nine candidates were cleared to vie for the seat, including Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for Citizens Party and Samuel Muchina Nyaga of the United Democratic Alliance.