Ruto Doesn’t Need Rigging to Win 2027, Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Tells Gachagua

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly dismissed allegations that President William Ruto could be planning to rig the 2027 General Election, accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of spreading claims that could undermine public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.

Ngetich, who is associated with the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said allegations linking the President to an alleged election-rigging scheme involving Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo were irresponsible, misleading and potentially dangerous to the country’s political stability.

He warned Gachagua and other political leaders against making statements that could incite Kenyans or create unnecessary suspicion around the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to Ngetich, President Ruto does not require an electoral manipulation strategy to secure victory because, in his view, the Head of State has established a significant political following across different parts of the country.

The activist attributed Ruto’s popularity to what he described as the President’s development record, infrastructure projects, economic programmes and efforts to address what he termed historical marginalisation and tribal favouritism.

Ngetich claimed that Ruto has maintained a strong political presence beyond his traditional political strongholds, citing North Eastern, the Coast, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Kenya among regions where he believes the President has continued to attract support.

He argued that the 2027 election should be determined by Kenyans through a free and fair democratic process rather than political rumours and unsubstantiated allegations.

The activist also questioned what he described as a change in Gachagua’s position on the electoral process.

Ngetich recalled that Gachagua had previously congratulated the IEBC for conducting what he described as a peaceful and credible election in Ol Kalou, but has since raised concerns over alleged plans to interfere with the 2027 presidential election.

He said political leaders should maintain consistency when discussing the country’s electoral institutions, arguing that repeated attacks on the credibility of IEBC could weaken public confidence in the constitutional body.

“ The electoral body is an independent constitutional body and those casting doubts on its readiness to conduct a free and fair election are sensing early defeat,” Ngetich said.

He maintained that IEBC has the constitutional mandate to organise and conduct elections and urged political actors to allow the commission to discharge its responsibilities without undue political pressure.

Ngetich further defended Ruto’s political standing, saying the President has an established national network and has continued to build political relationships across different communities.

He argued that the opposition should focus on presenting policies and programmes that can convince voters instead of relying on allegations of election manipulation.

The activist criticised some opposition leaders, describing them as individuals driven by political ambitions, tribal mobilisation and personal interests rather than a national agenda.

He claimed that the opposition currently lacks a candidate with the same national political reach, financial capacity and organisational network as the incumbent, while urging presidential hopefuls to demonstrate their ability to unite Kenyans across ethnic and regional lines.

Ngetich said Kenya requires leaders who understand the constitutional responsibilities attached to the presidency and who can provide responsible leadership rather than politicians who, in his view, rely on inflammatory rhetoric.

He also urged Kenyans to remain cautious about political statements made ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that misinformation and unverified claims could deepen divisions within the country.

“We urge Kenyans to be watchful and not be misled by political rumour-mongers whose agenda is to build hatred, tribalism and suspicion among Kenyans,” Ngetich said.

He called on all presidential aspirants and political parties to respect the Constitution and the mandate of electoral institutions, saying every political actor has a responsibility to protect peace, national cohesion and public confidence in the electoral process.

Ngetich said the 2027 election should be allowed to proceed on the basis of issues, development records, leadership programmes and the choice of voters, rather than allegations and political speculation.

He maintained that leaders seeking to challenge Ruto should focus on convincing Kenyans through their policies and national agenda instead of questioning the electoral process before the election has even taken place.

The remarks come as political activities and positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to intensify, with politicians and political formations increasingly seeking to consolidate support across the country.