IEBC fires back at Gachagua over 2027 polls technology tender, voter register claims

Leaders of the broad-based government have voiced their disapproval of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua's allegations of vote manipulation in the 2027 General Election. They have called upon Gachagua and other opposition figures to respect the IEBC's autonomy and allow it to fulfill its constitutional duties.

During a mobilization meeting in Butere, Kakamega, Senate Speaker Moses Wetangula emphasized that the IEBC is an independent constitutional body that "operates under no authority." He advised that the commission's decisions should be respected as preparations for the upcoming August 10, 2027, election progress.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed Wetangula's sentiments, criticizing Gachagua and his allies for their fixation on potential contractors for the electoral commission. He firmly stated that "blackmail tactics" would not influence which firms the IEBC works with. President William Ruto's personal assistant, Farouk Kibet, also backed the commission's independence, stating that both the government and opposition parties were prepared for a competitive election in 2027.

As political activity escalates amid party positioning ahead of the next General Election, the leaders have challenged Gachagua's claims. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga dismissed the allegations as propaganda, citing recent by-elections, such as Ol Kalou, as proof that IEBC has continued conducting free elections. Siaya Senator Opiyo Wandayi argued that IEBC does not cast ballots, asserting that politicians must ultimately persuade voters to select them.

The political criticism follows IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon's detailed response on August 27, dismissing Gachagua's claims of tender rigging, political interference, and manipulation of the voter register as "false, alarming, and unsubstantiated." IEBC explained that two major technology tenders are currently on hold pending review applications at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

The commission also clarified that no technology supplier has been awarded a contract, with the tender documents published on August 11. Ethekon challenged Gachagua to provide evidence for claims about a house being bought for the commission chairperson, threatening to refer any evidence to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Moreover, IEBC rejected allegations that staff redeployments were politically motivated and defended the Magarini by-election, asserting that its conduct had not been challenged in court. The commission outlined several steps to strengthen the voter register, including biometric de-duplication, a 30-day verification period, and an independent audit. Ethekon invoked Article 249 of the Constitution to reaffirm the commission's independence as it gears up for the 2027 election.