Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of attempting to impose a South Korean election technology system ahead of the 2027 General Election for financial and political gain.
Gachagua claimed IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and his deputy are determined to introduce technology supplied by MIRU Systems, alleging that the procurement process was tailored to favour the South Korean firm.
He further alleged that IEBC commissioners attempted to compel officials in the Directorate of Supply Chain Management and the Directorate of Electoral Management to defend the disputed tender before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB).
According to Gachagua, the officials declined to provide what he described as false testimony to support the procurement process.
He alleged that the refusal resulted in the victimization and transfer of officials in the two departments to counties far from Nairobi, while their positions were allegedly filled by individuals loyal to the commission’s leadership.
“The officials have firmly refused to give false testimony to facilitate corruption and electoral fraud,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader said he had been approached by IEBC officials who wanted the alleged irregularities, intimidation and plans surrounding the procurement brought to the attention of the public.
Gachagua expressed optimism that the PPARB would cancel the tender when it delivers its ruling on the dispute.
He also questioned the timing of the proposed replacement of the election management system, arguing that with about 11 months remaining before the August 2027 elections, there was insufficient time to migrate to a new system, test it and address potential technical challenges.
“It is not technically possible to procure a new election management system given that the elections are 11 months away,” he said, arguing that the existing system should instead be upgraded to address identified shortcomings.
Gachagua also raised concerns over the potential impact of changing the election management system on the voters’ register, alleging that the move could be used to interfere with voter data in areas where President William Ruto’s support has declined.
He called on IEBC to withdraw the tender and focus on improving the current system.
The former Deputy President also urged the commission’s leadership to stop what he described as harassment and victimization of staff who have resisted manipulation of the procurement process.
“Mr Chairman, do not throw Kenya into chaos and anarchy. Do not subvert the will of the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He challenged the IEBC leadership to allow Kenyans to freely determine their leaders at the ballot, warning against actions that could undermine confidence in the 2027 elections.
There was no immediate comment from the commission over the claims.
The commission had in a memo dated August 12, 2026 made changes affecting 24 senior officials amid wars over tenders.
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