NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh political temperatures after questioning the credibility of the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), even as he expressed confidence that the 2027 General Election will not be rigged.
Speaking during a live interview on Kameme FM on Monday, Gachagua claimed the Kenya Kwanza administration had “planted loyalists” in the IEBC to tilt the electoral playing field in its favour.
However, he insisted that Kenyans would vote in such large numbers that no manipulation could override the will of the people.
“Those in office are Ruto’s commissioners, but the law says votes are counted at the polling station. I want to assure my people that elections will not be rigged,” said the former second-in-command.
Gachagua predicted that the opposition would defeat President William Ruto by a margin of more than five million votes in the 2027 polls, dismissing fears that state interference through the IEBC would affect the outcome.
He also made a passionate appeal to members of Generation Z to register as voters, saying this was the most effective way to channel their frustrations into real political change.
“Voting is the only way your voices will be heard,” he said, referencing the youth-led protests that have erupted in recent months.
In a more personal revelation, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto had made attempts to reach out to him amid growing political tensions, but said he had deliberately ignored the overtures.
“I have no personal issue with Ruto, but he has a problem with the Mt Kenya community. He has tried to call me, but I don’t have time for him,” Gachagua stated.
He further accused several parties — including Tujibebe, Chama Cha Kazi, and The Service Party, led by William Kabogo, Moses Kuria, and Mwangi Kiunjuri respectively — of being political decoys sponsored by Ruto to divide the Mt Kenya vote.
