Aasai

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has come out strongly to condemn remarks from leaders within the Kenya Kwanza coalition suggesting that President William Ruto may rely on vote rigging to secure a second term in the 2027 general election. Mudavadi described such claims as irresponsible and warned that they risk eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions.

Speaking at an economic empowerment event in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mudavadi exuded confidence in President Ruto’s popularity and leadership record, stating that he will secure victory in 2027 through a democratic process. “I want to assure you that President William Ruto is going to win the 2027 election, and he will win through the popular vote—not through manipulation,” Mudavadi told the gathering.

He rebuked members of their own Kenya Kwanza coalition who have been fueling speculation about election fraud, describing their talk as “nonsense” that should not be tolerated. “Let me put on notice those speaking carelessly, especially within our own ranks—President Ruto will not steal votes. He does not need to, and he has not sent anyone to steal votes,” Mudavadi declared.

The Prime CS also came to the defense of the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging politicians and the public to respect its mandate and independence. He said that questioning the integrity of IEBC at this stage only serves to sow seeds of mistrust and political instability. “IEBC will conduct a free and fair election. Let us stop casting doubt on its credibility. It’s time we protect our institutions rather than destroy them with careless talk,” Mudavadi emphasized.

Addressing the recent controversial remarks made by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, who publicly claimed that leaders from North-Eastern Kenya were prepared to "steal votes" for President Ruto, Mudavadi was visibly displeased. He warned that such statements, whether made jokingly or in earnest, could have serious consequences both domestically and internationally. “This is not how you campaign. Talking about stealing votes embarrasses not just the President, but the entire nation. It’s reckless and unacceptable,” he said.

Jehow, speaking in a public rally in Wajir on July 12, 2025, had said in Kiswahili, “Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakua na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri,” which translates to, “We, MPs from North Eastern, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him… that’s no secret.”

In response, Mudavadi urged State House and the President’s inner circle, including Ruto’s personal assistant Farouk Kibet, to take a firm stand against such rhetoric by denying platforms to individuals who promote vote-rigging narratives. “To Farouk and others in leadership—if anyone takes the microphone to talk about rigging, they must be deplatformed. They’re damaging the President’s reputation and the integrity of our elections,” he asserted.

He further called on Kenya Kwanza leaders to engage in mature, issue-driven campaigns, centered around development achievements, economic reforms, and national unity, instead of resorting to reckless political statements. “We must speak about Ruto winning the hearts of Kenyans. That’s the message we should send to our people—not one of fear, dishonesty, or manipulation,” Mudavadi concluded.

His remarks come at a time when political temperatures are gradually rising ahead of the 2027 polls, with several factions within the ruling coalition beginning to jostle for attention and political dominance. Mudavadi’s message was clear: discipline in political messaging, respect for democratic processes, and confidence in institutions like the IEBC will be crucial in shaping a peaceful and credible election in 2027.