Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of planning to introduce a new election management system that he claims could compromise the 2027 General Election. Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), alleged that individuals within the electoral commission had informed him of plans by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah to award a tender for a new election management system to South Korea-based MIRU Systems Technology.
The former Deputy President claimed the proposed procurement was being challenged before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board and alleged that some IEBC officials had been pressured to support the commission’s position in the case. According to Gachagua, officials in the Directorate of Supply Chain Management and the Directorate of Electoral Management declined to provide what he described as false testimony in support of the procurement.
Gachagua Alleges Victimisation of IEBC Officials
Gachagua further claimed that officials who opposed the alleged procurement process had faced retaliation. He alleged that staff members in the two departments had been transferred to counties far from their usual stations and replaced by individuals he described as allies of the commission’s leadership. The DCP leader claimed that only the heads of the affected departments remained in their positions. The allegations, however, have not been independently established.
Concerns Over New Election System
Gachagua also questioned the timing of the proposed procurement, arguing that introducing a new election management system less than a year before the 2027 General Election would create unnecessary risks. He maintained that the available time would be insufficient to migrate effectively from the existing system, test the new technology and address potential shortcomings before the election.
The former Deputy President further alleged that changing the system at this stage could create opportunities to interfere with the voters’ register, particularly in areas where he claims President William Ruto has lost political support. He urged the IEBC to abandon the proposed tender and instead focus on improving and upgrading the existing election management system.
Gachagua Warns IEBC Leadership
Gachagua warned IEBC Chairperson Ethekon and Vice Chairperson Fahima against what he described as attempts to manipulate the electoral process or intimidate commission employees. He called on the two officials to reconsider the alleged procurement plans and ensure that the electoral system remains transparent, credible and secure ahead of the 2027 polls. The claims come as preparations for the next General Election continue, with the IEBC expected to undertake several technological and administrative measures to strengthen election management.
