Gachagua warns against replacing Smartmatic ahead of 2027 polls

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned against replacing the current Smartmatic election system prior to the 2027 General Election, expressing concern that there is insufficient time to implement and test a new system. In an interview with the media on August 26, 2026, Gachagua emphasized the importance of retaining the existing system due to its existing data, experience, and familiarity with Kenya's electoral process.

He pointed to Malawi as evidence, stating, "I saw in Malawi, the system was quite okay. I don’t think we have a problem with this system of Smartmatic."

Gachagua highlighted the challenges of transferring existing data to a new company within the limited timeframe before the election. He questioned the rationale behind moving data from a company already engaged in the process to a new entrant, suggesting there would be no gain in such a move. He praised the current provider for completing "donkey work" by amassing the necessary data, including the voters' register, and questioned why this data should be transferred to a new company.

The deputy president raised concerns about potential interference with the voters' register, particularly in regions where President William Ruto had previously performed poorly. He emphasized his opposition to any actions that might compromise the integrity of the electoral process, stating, "That is where the mischief is. I will not agree."

While Gachagua did not provide further details about specific government officials involved in managing identification and citizen registration data, he expressed his concern over the matter. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which had brought the issue to his attention.