Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has sounded a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua warned that any move to subvert the will of the people could plunge Kenya into unprecedented chaos.

During an interview on Obinna TV on Friday, May 16, Gachagua issued a passionate appeal to electoral authorities, cautioning that the country’s youthful population, particularly Generation Z, would not tolerate electoral fraud.

Gachagua, known for his outspoken and often fiery style, dismissed the idea that any political machinery, including the so-called deep state or powerful government insiders, could influence the presidential vote.

According to him, changes in electoral law and jurisprudence over the years have made the polling station the ultimate centre of democratic power.

"Let me tell you, my brother, yeah, forget about the system, forget about the deep state and forget about the IEBC. Nobody can steal a presidential election," he said.

He referenced the 2013 Supreme Court ruling that declared polling station results final, noting that reforms requiring counting to be done at the polling station have effectively closed the door on large-scale rigging.

Reflecting on the 2022 General Election, in which he was a key player, Gachagua maintained that the victory was won fairly and transparently.

Gachagua turned his focus to the current political climate, casting doubt on President William Ruto’s chances of re-election in 2027.

He claimed the ground was shifting and warned that any attempt to manipulate the outcome would fail, even if Ruto were to appoint his closest allies to oversee the process.

"Even if William Ruto appointed Farouk Kibet as chairman of the IEBC. Yeah, or Oscar Sudi as chairman of the IEBC, he'll still lose. The vote against William Ruto, the margin will be so huge. I can tell you nobody can do anything about it," he asserted.

The former deputy president didn’t mince his words as he predicted a dire outcome if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) attempted to interfere with the democratic process.

Drawing comparisons with the violence that erupted after the disputed 2007 election, Gachagua issued a chilling warning.

"I'm saying, mood in the country, if that IEBC tries to mess with the election, there will be no country here. 2007 will look like a Christmas party. I can't tell you," Gachagua observed.

He urged the commissioners to rise above political pressure and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

"I want to implore those Commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work. The people of Kenya will not accept it. People want to change, and they are ready for change," Gachagua appealed.

At the heart of Gachagua’s message, however, was a passionate endorsement of Kenya’s youth.

He hailed the Generation Z demographic as a politically aware, resolute, and incorruptible force that would play a decisive role in the 2027 elections.

Describing them as lethal, he said their determination for change could not be ignored or bought off.

Source: TUKO.co.ke