NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has proposed sweeping changes to Kenya’s presidential vote tallying system, calling for results to be announced at the constituency level instead of the national tallying centre in Nairobi.
Speaking during an interview on KTN News, Gachagua said the current system — where the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) consolidates presidential results at Bomas of Kenya — has historically created room for manipulation and public mistrust.
“Once results are announced at the constituency, that should be final. Everyone, including the media, can tally them and declare the winner,” he said.
Gachagua argued that decentralising the presidential tally would promote transparency, quicken the announcement of results, and reduce post-election anxiety.
“It is not easy to tamper with results from 290 constituencies, but the national tallying centre has been a problem for years,” he added.
He further proposed appointing 290 returning officers to handle the presidential vote independently in each constituency.
“If we tally the presidential votes first, it’s possible to have the results by morning. That would eliminate manipulation and ensure accountability,” he said.
The former Deputy President linked past electoral tensions — including disputes dating back to 2007 — to opaque handling of results at the national centre, which he said has consistently been a “source of controversy.”
Predicts Two-Horse Race in 2027
Turning to the 2027 General Election, Gachagua predicted a contest between President William Ruto and a single opposition candidate, saying Kenyans would reject any attempt to form a “third force.”
“If the opposition unites behind one candidate, that person will become Kenya’s sixth President. It will be the one-term movement against President Ruto,” he said.
He also dismissed reports of a rift between him and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, accusing President Ruto of attempting to divide the opposition.
“There are no differences between me and Dr Matiang’i. What we are seeing is an attempt by President Ruto to infiltrate and cause division,” Gachagua said.
Ruto Urges Youth to Register as Voters
Meanwhile, President Ruto has urged young people to take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a church service at St Mary’s AIPCA Kathelwa in Igembe Central, Meru County, Ruto said voter participation by the youth would shape the country’s future leadership.
“We will be elected based on the work we have done — not how we look, our faith, or where we come from,” the President said.
Ruto cautioned politicians against early campaigns, saying leaders should prioritise development.
He cited ongoing projects, including the Infrastructure Fund, which aims to construct 30 mega dams and generate 10,000 megawatts of power from wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear sources.
He also announced a Sh7 billion contract for the construction of Nithi Bridge, Sh2 billion for rural electrification in Meru, and Sh11 billion for affordable housing, markets, and student hostels in the county.
On healthcare, the President encouraged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) for free outpatient services in all accredited facilities.
“If you are asked to pay for outpatient services, tell them the government has already paid — and call the police,” Ruto said.
