NYERI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to publicly outline its preparedness for the 2027 General Election amid renewed concerns over political violence and claims that the polls could be disrupted or postponed.
Gachagua said the electoral commission should engage political parties and other stakeholders and provide Kenyans with a clear account of its preparations ahead of the August 2027 elections.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Wednesday, August 19, where he was hosting Democratic Congress Party (DCP) aspirants from Laikipia County, Gachagua directly addressed IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon.
“I want to tell Ethekon that the Constitution is very clear that an election for a president and all other leaders must be held every five years,” Gachagua said.
He insisted that the next General Election must be held as constitutionally scheduled.
“First Tuesday in August of the fifth year, and that is August 10, 2027. The General Election shall take place,” he said.
Under Article 101 of the Constitution, parliamentary elections are held on the second Tuesday in August every fifth year. Kenya’s next General Election is scheduled for August 10, 2027.
Gachagua demands IEBC preparedness report
Gachagua said his concern was not only about the election date but also whether the electoral commission was sufficiently prepared to conduct a credible poll.
“What Ethekon must tell us is the level of preparedness. We are asking him now to sit with everybody, including the opposition, and take us through the process and explain to us the level of preparedness, so that we can interrogate the preparedness and make suggestions,” he said.
The IEBC has already outlined preparations for the 2027 election, including electoral planning, voter registration, stakeholder engagement, security coordination and procurement.
In January, Ethekon told lawmakers that the commission had proposed a budget of about Sh63 billion for the electoral cycle but faced a significant funding gap.
IEBC documents later showed a projected shortfall of about Sh22.9 billion, with the commission warning that inadequate funding could constrain voter education, security preparedness, staff training, logistics and procurement.
The commission has also been advancing campaign-finance regulations ahead of the election, with new rules and spending limits gazetted earlier in August.
‘There is no escape route’
Gachagua also turned his criticism towards President William Ruto, insisting that the Head of State would have to face voters at the ballot despite the political tensions surrounding the 2027 contest.
“And there is no escape route, William Ruto. You must face the people of Kenya at the ballot. There is no escape route,” he said.
He accused the government of creating conditions that could undermine the electoral environment, claims that have been repeatedly rejected by government-aligned leaders.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened political activity and growing debate over election-related violence.
The issue has gained further attention following recent clashes at political rallies, with opposition leaders accusing the government of tolerating or deploying organised groups to disrupt their meetings. Government officials have denied such allegations.
Earlier this month, Ethekon himself warned that a hostile political environment marked by hate speech, incitement, violence and political intolerance could undermine the conduct of credible elections.
The remarks triggered criticism from opposition leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who urged the IEBC chair to remain within the constitutional and legal framework governing elections.
Gachagua steps up campaign against Ruto
Gachagua also reiterated his determination to campaign against Ruto and challenge the President’s political influence, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.
His latest remarks form part of a broader effort by opposition parties to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 election, with political alliances and grassroots campaigns already taking shape.
The former deputy president also sought to clarify recent remarks concerning supporters who may be asked to serve as agents for Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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Gachagua said he was not advocating that UDA agents be prevented from carrying out their legal duties but was instead urging voters to make independent political choices.
“We are going to persuade everybody to be on our side,” he said.
He said voters should not be pressured into accepting political positions simply because they were asked to support a particular candidate or party.
Election preparations under scrutiny
The renewed political debate places the IEBC at the centre of growing scrutiny as Kenya moves into the final year before the next General Election.
The commission has repeatedly said preparations are underway, while acknowledging challenges involving funding, electoral reforms, voter registration, security and the broader political environment.
In June, the IEBC said preparations for the 2027 election remained on course despite delays surrounding the constitutionally required review of electoral boundaries.
With political parties already intensifying mobilisation, questions about electoral preparedness, security and public confidence are likely to become increasingly prominent as the country approaches the August 10, 2027 polls.
For Gachagua, the immediate demand is for the IEBC to demonstrate publicly that it is ready—and to assure Kenyans that the election will take place as required by the Constitution.
