By Daniel Otieno, Kakamega
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed claims suggesting a plot to rig the 2027 presidential election in favour of President William Ruto, describing them as reckless and dangerous.
Speaking at a women empowerment forum in Khayega, Kakamega County, Mudavadi reaffirmed the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and called for non-interference in its operations.
“We must respect the independence of the IEBC,” he said. “It was established to conduct free and fair elections and must be allowed to carry out its constitutional mandate without intimidation or political interference.”
Mudavadi’s remarks follow controversial comments made by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow, who during a political event in Wajir allegedly suggested that MPs from the North Eastern region were ready to manipulate the vote in favour of President Ruto.
“Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern… hata kama hatutakuwa na votes tutamwibia… hiyo si siri,” she said, implying a willingness to engage in electoral malpractice.
The remarks have triggered a political storm, with opposition leaders and civil society groups calling for investigations and swift action. Many have warned that such utterances undermine Kenya’s democratic gains and public trust in electoral institutions.
Mudavadi, rejected any claims of state interference in the operations or composition of the electoral commission.
He maintained that the IEBC is accountable to the people of Kenya and not to the ruling Kenya Kwanza adminstration.
“The IEBC serves all Kenyans. It is not an organ of the Kenya Kwanza government. There is a clear distinction between the government of Kenya and the people of Kenya,” Mudavadi said. “Let those sowing seeds of anarchy stop dragging the President into their schemes.”
He also defended President Ruto’s democratic credentials, saying the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is committed to securing re-election through genuine support, not fraudulent tactics.
“Ruto will win a second term through democracy—not through any unscrupulous means. If anyone is planning to steal votes, let them stand alone. Do not involve the President in such unethical plots,” he said.
Mudavadi urged the public, particularly in Western Kenya, to participate in upcoming grassroots elections as a show of confidence in the electoral system. He rallied support for a UDA candidate in the upcoming Malava constituency by-election, stating it would be a test of the IEBC’s renewed integrity under a newly constituted board.
“The late Malulu Injendi and Fred Ikana worked closely. The people of Malava now need to elect someone who will continue that legacy,” he said. “Let this election be a model of transparency and accountability.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in, stating that the administration would be judged by its performance, not electoral tricks.
“At the end of five years, Kenyans will evaluate us based on our delivery. That is what will win us a second term and not stolen votes,” he said.
The IEBC has yet to issue an official statement on Jehow’s remarks.
