Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh concerns over the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that Kenya risks repeating the mistakes that preceded the disputed 2007 General Election and subsequent post-election violence.
Speaking to the press at his Karen residence on Wednesday, August 26, Gachagua challenged IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon to address concerns over the commission’s credibility and alleged links to the administration of President William Ruto.
Gachagua said the electoral agency must demonstrate that it can operate independently of political interests as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon must address concerns over the commission’s independence and credibility,” Gachagua said, alleging that the electoral body had become an “appendage” of the Ruto administration.
He warned that Kenyans could not afford another electoral process that undermines public confidence, citing the 2007–2008 post-election crisis as a cautionary example.
According to Gachagua, Ethekon faces a choice between political allegiance and protecting what he described as the democratic will of Kenyans.
The former Deputy President also raised questions over the involvement of South Korean technology company Miru Systems in Kenya’s electoral preparations.
Gachagua alleged that Miru Systems has previously faced accusations relating to election technology in countries including Argentina, the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He further claimed that the Principal Secretaries for Interior and Immigration had held meetings with representatives of the company and were working towards giving it access to Kenya’s voter database.
Gachagua alleged that the proposed arrangement could be used to interfere with the electoral process and voters. He did not provide evidence during the press briefing to substantiate the claims that the government intends to manipulate the database.
“The Miru plan in Kenya, as directed by Ruto, is to prepare a new voters’ register and suppress voters perceived to be against the regime,” he alleged.
Gachagua consequently challenged the IEBC to explain the procurement process surrounding Miru Systems and provide details on how the tender specifications were developed.
He specifically asked the electoral commission to clarify whether the specifications were designed around Miru Systems’ technology, and to disclose records showing who drafted the requirements.
He also called for greater transparency on the procurement process, arguing that Kenyans should be able to establish how the company was selected and what safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the voter register.
The remarks come as political parties and other stakeholders increasingly turn their attention to preparations for the 2027 elections, with the credibility of electoral institutions expected to remain a major political issue.
Gachagua’s allegations, however, remain claims made by the former Deputy President and require verification from the IEBC and the government.
The commission’s response to the concerns, particularly regarding procurement, voter data protection and its institutional independence, is likely to shape public debate ahead of the polls.