Gachagua raises fresh concerns over IEBC and diaspora voter registration
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh concerns over Kenya’s electoral preparedness, accusing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to adequately address electoral violence, procurement concerns and reports of Kenyans being registered as voters without their knowledge. Speaking during a community engagement in the United States on Saturday,…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed concerns about Kenya's electoral readiness, specifically criticizing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for not addressing issues such as electoral violence, procurement challenges, and unregistered voters. During a community engagement in the United States, Gachagua highlighted the credibility of the electoral process as a major concern leading up to the 2027 General Election.
He specifically pointed to incidents of violence and voter suppression in Ol-Kalou, questioning the response of electoral authorities to such events. Gachagua also reiterated his objections to the IEBC's plan to acquire new election management technology, arguing that there is insufficient time to introduce and fully test a new system before the 2027 election.
Instead, he favors enhancing the existing Smartmatic system, noting that replacing it would necessitate voter data migration and thorough testing. Additionally, Gachagua raised alarms over claims that Kenyans living in the diaspora were registered as voters without their consent. He mentioned receiving reports from Kenyans in the United States who were informed they had been registered despite not initiating the registration process.
Gachagua urged Kenyans abroad to verify their voter registration status and report any discrepancies to the authorities. He called for investigations into how individuals could have their personal and biometric information entered into the voters' register without their participation. The IEBC has previously dismissed allegations of corruption, political interference, and manipulation of the voters' register, asserting that its processes comply with the law.
Current IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon has also emphasized the commission's commitment to a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, with the commission actively engaging in voter registration and verification activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
