ISIOLO, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and an IEBC vice chairperson are linked to a plan to manipulate the 2027 General Election, but provided no evidence for the claim.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that he has information suggesting that a plan is being developed to manipulate the 2027 General Election, allegedly involving President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and an official within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Gachagua made the claims on Monday, August 24, 2026, while addressing a delegation from Isiolo and Marsabit counties at his Wamunyoro residence.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he was still verifying the information before releasing what he described as a full disclosure to Kenyans.
“Kuna kitu ingine wanataka kufanya hapo kwa IEBC wakiwa na Joho, na vice chairman wa IEBC. Iko system wanataka kuleta ya kuiba uchaguzi ambayo ni details imebaki tu kidogo,” Gachagua said.
He alleged that the suspected scheme involved a system that could be used to rig the election, but stopped short of providing technical details or evidence.
Gachagua says he is verifying information
The former Deputy President said he did not want to make public allegations before establishing the accuracy of the information he had received.
He said he expected to obtain additional details before leaving the country for his planned trip to the United States.
“Unajua sitakangi kusema kitu kabla sijaipata sawasawa, so imebaki kidogo na ninaomba Mungu by kesho kabla sijaondoka nikuwe nimeipata ndio tuambie Wakenya,” he said.
Gachagua also contrasted his approach with that of politicians whom he accused of using sensitive information to negotiate with the government.
“Mimi sio yule mtu ati nikipewa information naenda kunegotiate na rais na serikali. Mimi nikipewa information napea Wakenya iwasaidie,” he said.
However, Gachagua did not identify the IEBC vice chairperson he was referring to, explain the alleged system or provide documentary or other evidence supporting his claims.
IEBC comes under renewed political scrutiny
The allegations come as the electoral commission faces increased political scrutiny ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political parties and presidential hopefuls have increasingly focused on the IEBC’s preparedness, leadership, electoral technology and ability to conduct a credible poll.
The commission has maintained that it is committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
Concerns over electoral integrity have also featured prominently in political campaigns, with rival political camps accusing one another of preparing to influence the outcome of the next election.
Gachagua has repeatedly raised concerns about the conduct of the 2027 elections and has positioned his DCP as part of the political forces seeking to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua steps up attacks on Ruto
The latest allegations represent another escalation in Gachagua’s criticism of President Ruto.
Since falling out with the President and leaving government, the former Deputy President has become one of Ruto’s most vocal political opponents.
He has used meetings at Wamunyoro to mobilise supporters and address political developments, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua’s latest claims also come against a backdrop of increasingly intense political activity ahead of the 2027 election, with opposition leaders seeking to build a united front against Ruto.
The former Deputy President has not, however, provided evidence demonstrating that Ruto, Joho or the unnamed IEBC official are involved in an electoral manipulation scheme.
