Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an interview with Obina TV on May 16, 2025. PHOTO/X/Rigathi Gachagua.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the proposed IEBC nominees to demonstrate patriotism and uphold the Constitution in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election, if approved by Parliament.
“I want to implore those commissioners (nominees) to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force anyone on the people of Kenya. It will not work, and Kenyans will not accept it,” Gachagua warned.
He spoke during an interview with Obina TV show at his Wamunyoro home on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The former DP's remarks
come just days before the National Assembly is set to conduct approval hearings
for the proposed IEBC officials on May 26, 2025.
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the next IEBC chairperson, with Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla proposed as commissioners.
National
Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has already forwarded the names to the
Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, which has invited public
submissions on their suitability ahead of vetting.
On May 12, Gachagua stated he had no objection to President Ruto’s nominees, noting that Kenyans, not the IEBC, will ultimately decide the next president.
“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,” he said.
Despite Gachagua’s confidence, the IEBC’s reconstitution process faces legal challenges, with several petitions in court seeking to block the nomination of certain candidates over alleged impartiality concerns.
The former Deputy President also weighed in on the rising influence of Generation Z in Kenya’s politics, describing them as a decisive force that could reshape the 2027 race.
“This Gen Z group is lethal; they are not tribal, cannot be compromised, and cannot be bribed with Sh200. I’ve confirmed they are now taking identity cards and preparing to register as voters,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua has unveiled his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he hopes will consolidate the Mount Kenya voting bloc in his battle against President Ruto.
