Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Citizens Democratic Party, has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and President William Ruto’s government of plotting to delay the 2027 elections in Kenya.
During a press conference to address concerns about the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Gachagua alleged that the electoral commission’s lack of progress violates its constitutionally assigned role.
Former deputy president Gachagua said that the uncertainty of the time frame for the by-election could mean the commission is intending to disrupt the electoral timetable beginning with the 2027 elections. He demanded that the commissioners resign due to their failure to maintain public confidence in the commission.
The opposition leader also alleged that the Ruto administration is trying to use state machinery to interfere with the elections. There was no evidence presented to support Gachagua’s allegations.
The IEBC has not issued any statement about postponing the elections and has repeatedly affirmed that it is fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
This will create a political firestorm as the political parties position themselves for the contest in 2027, with election preparedness and the independence of the IEBC expected to be key issues.The Constitution of Kenya stipulates that general elections are to be held at intervals of five years on the second Tuesday of August unless changes are made to this arrangement through constitutional means.
All eyes will be on how the IEBC responds to the accusations as the political temperature rises, and whether the issue of the Ol Kalou by-election will develop into a broader political issue over the legitimacy of the elections in 2027.
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