Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that he has no objections to President William Ruto’s nominees for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), affirming his trust in the electoral process. Speaking during a vernacular radio interview with Egesa FM, Gachagua said the power to elect leaders lies with voters, not the commission.
“The Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the voter’s decision at the polling station is final. I have no problem with the IEBC,” he said, dismissing concerns raised following President Ruto’s recent nominations to the electoral body.
Gachagua, who is working to build a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, urged supporters to focus on voter mobilization rather than fear manipulation. “Our goal is to secure more than 7.1 million votes in 2027 so that the result is beyond question,” he stated.
President Ruto’s IEBC nominees include Erastus Edung Ethekon as chairperson, alongside Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla as commissioners. The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is scheduled to vet the nominees on May 26, 2025.
However, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the nominations, citing a lack of inclusive consultations with the opposition.
In response, Gachagua emphasized the unity within the opposition, saying they are committed to presenting a single presidential candidate and forming a government based on shared national goals. He added that leadership roles would be decided through an expert-driven formula.
“Our unity is firm. I don’t have to be President. If the formula favours someone else, I will take another role,” Gachagua said.
