Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has downplayed concerns surrounding President William Ruto’s recent nominations to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the final decision on who becomes Kenya’s next president lies with voters—not commissioners.
Speaking during an interview with Egesa FM, a vernacular radio station broadcasting in Ekegusii, Gachagua affirmed his confidence in the electoral process despite the political noise surrounding the appointments.
“I have no problem with the IEBC because the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the voter’s decision at the polling station is final,” Gachagua said.
President Ruto recently nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the chairperson of the IEBC, alongside six commissioners: Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla.
The National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has since forwarded the names to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, with vetting scheduled for May 26, 2025.
Gachagua, who is currently building alliances with key opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general election, urged his supporters not to be distracted by the appointments. Instead, he called on Kenyans to mobilize and register in large numbers.
“We want to make sure that we win the 2027 presidential election with over 7.1 million votes so that it becomes impossible for anyone to manipulate the numbers,” he said.
His remarks come amid criticism from Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who faulted the President’s appointments, citing a lack of broad-based consultation with political stakeholders, including the opposition.
Despite those concerns, Gachagua said the opposition was working on a united front to defeat Ruto in 2027.
“At the right time, we shall bring in experts to help us craft a formula to determine who becomes President, Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary, so that we can form a brand-new government,” he stated, adding that he is willing to take on any role if the agreed formula does not favour him for the presidency.
