Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has escalated his criticism of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing its leadership of pushing through a controversial election technology procurement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader singled out IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon and his Vice Chairperson, alleging that the two were determined to introduce technology supplied by South Korea’s MIRU Systems into the 2027 elections.
Gachagua claimed the procurement process had been tailored to produce a predetermined outcome in favour of the company, while accusing IEBC officials of intimidation after some staff allegedly refused to endorse specifications they considered irregular.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua speaks during a political rally. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua Source: Facebook
Gachagua’s allegations
According to Gachagua, IEBC commissioners attempted to make officials in the Directorate of Supply Chain Management and Directorate of Electoral Management take ownership of specifications allegedly designed to favour MIRU Systems.
He claimed the officials declined to provide what he described as false testimony in proceedings before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
Gachagua further alleged that the officials were subsequently transferred to far-flung counties, with their positions filled by people he described as the leadership’s cronies.
He said the affected officials had approached him during his holiday and asked him to bring the matter to the attention of Kenyans.
Gachagua expressed hope that the procurement review board would cancel the tender in its ruling.
Fears over 2027 poll
The former deputy president also questioned whether IEBC has sufficient time to introduce an entirely new election management system with the 2027 elections only months away.
He argued that changing the system at this stage would require digital migration and sufficient time to identify and address technical weaknesses.
Gachagua further raised concerns about the possible impact of changing the election management system on the voters’ register, particularly in regions where President William Ruto has faced political opposition.
He called on IEBC to abandon the tender and instead upgrade the existing system to address identified shortcomings.
Challenge to Ethekon
Gachagua’s most pointed message was directed at Ethekon and his deputy, whom he accused of victimising staff who had chosen professionalism over what he termed manipulation and corruption.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua during Makueni rally
He urged the IEBC leadership to stop the alleged harassment and warned against actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Do not subvert the will of the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said, insisting that voters should be left to make their decision at the ballot.
His intervention comes as preparations for the 2027 General Election enter a critical phase, with election technology and the integrity of the voters’ register likely to remain major political flashpoints.
