Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to abandon plans to procure a new election management system and instead upgrade the existing technology for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, the DCP Party leader argued that the timeline of just 11 months makes it impractical to implement a completely new system.
He contended that the procurement, digital migration, testing, and resolution of technical challenges would require far more time than is available before the elections.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua. Photo; Courtesy.
Gachagua further alleged that the push for a new system is a deliberate scheme to manipulate the voters’ register, particularly in regions where President William Ruto has faced significant political opposition.
He also accused the IEBC chairperson and vice chairperson of harassing commission staff, claiming that some officials had privately reached out to him to report intimidation.
The DCP leader urged the two leaders to cease what he described as victimization of employees who are committed to professionalism and patriotism.
The former DP’s remarks come just days after the IEBC dismissed similar allegations as misinformation. In a response on August 27, the commission defended its procurement processes, stating they were fully compliant with the Constitution and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
The IEBC confirmed that the tender process had been temporarily paused due to a review request filed with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board, but insisted that the process remained open and transparent.
The commission emphasized that no award had been made to any company and that technical specifications were generic and performance-based, allowing any qualified supplier to compete.
It assured the public that all decisions would be made on merit, guided by Supreme Court directives and lessons from past elections.
