- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged a plan to manipulate the 2027 General Election.
- He linked President William Ruto, Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho and IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah to the alleged scheme.
- Gachagua claimed a new electoral system could be used to influence the outcome of the poll.
- The DCP leader said he was still verifying the information before making a full disclosure.
- He did not initially provide evidence to support the allegations.
- The claims come as IEBC faces increased scrutiny over preparations and election technology ahead of 2027.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh allegations over the conduct of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, claiming that a plan is being developed to manipulate the poll through a new electoral system. He linked the alleged scheme to President William Ruto, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah. Gachagua, however, said he was still verifying some of the information before making a detailed disclosure to the public.
Gachagua made the allegations on Monday, August 24, while speaking to a delegation from Isiolo and Marsabit counties at his Wamunyoro residence. The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader claimed he had received information concerning an electoral system that could allegedly be used to rig the 2027 election. He said only a few details remained to be confirmed before he could present what he described as the full picture to Kenyans.
The former Deputy President said he was deliberately holding back from making a full disclosure because he wanted to establish that the information was accurate. He indicated that he hoped to complete the verification before travelling to the United States. Gachagua also said that unlike politicians who may use sensitive information to negotiate with the government, he would make such information public if it could benefit Kenyans.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Named in Allegations
While Gachagua initially referred only to an IEBC vice chairperson, subsequent reports identified the official as Fahima Araphat Abdallah. IEBC’s own records confirm that Fahima was elected Vice Chairperson of the commission in July 2025 after the current commission was constituted. She serves alongside Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and other commissioners responsible for overseeing the electoral body.
Gachagua has not publicly produced evidence showing that Fahima, Joho or President Ruto are involved in an election-rigging scheme. His initial remarks also did not explain the technical details of the alleged system or how it could be used to manipulate the election. The allegations should therefore be treated as claims by the former Deputy President and not as established facts.
Election Technology Comes Under Scrutiny
The allegations come at a time when IEBC is already dealing with intense political attention over the technology and systems it will use for the 2027 election. The commission recently began procurement preparations for election materials after funding was provided in the 2026/27 financial year. Some procurement processes involving election technology and ballot papers have also faced review proceedings.
The debate over election technology has become particularly sensitive because voter registration, biometric identification, results transmission and management of electoral data will all be central to the 2027 process. IEBC has continued preparations for the election and has publicly outlined its timelines as it works towards the poll. The commission’s official website also lists a response to allegations made by Gachagua, showing that the claims have drawn the electoral body’s attention.
The latest accusations add to Gachagua’s growing criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Since his fallout with President Ruto and subsequent removal from office, the former Deputy President has increasingly positioned himself as a leading critic of the government. His DCP has also been involved in efforts to mobilise political support ahead of the 2027 election.
Gachagua’s comments come as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the next General Election. The credibility and independence of IEBC are expected to remain major issues for political parties, presidential candidates and voters. Claims concerning electoral technology are likely to attract particular attention because confidence in the systems used to register voters and transmit results is central to public trust in an election.
IEBC has the responsibility of conducting elections in accordance with Kenya’s Constitution and electoral laws. The commission has continued engaging stakeholders and preparing the systems and materials required for the 2027 poll. Its official communications show that preparations are already underway, with voter participation, election timelines and institutional readiness among the issues being addressed.
For Gachagua, the latest allegations provide another platform to demand greater scrutiny of the electoral process. However, the claims will require supporting evidence if they are to establish that an actual plan to manipulate the election exists. With the 2027 election approaching, transparency in procurement, technology and voter registration will remain critical to maintaining public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
