IEBC Challenges Gachagua Bribery Evidence: Demands Proof for Claims

• The IEBC has challenged Rigathi Gachagua to provide evidence for his allegations of bribery and political interference, including a house purchase for its chairperson.
• IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated and demanded specific documentation be submitted to the EACC.
• The commission clarified that procurement for electoral technology and ballot papers is in early stages, with no tenders awarded, and is currently halted due to Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) reviews.
• The IEBC affirmed its adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 and other laws, emphasizing transparency with publicly available tender documents.
• The electoral body reiterated its independence, defended commissioner appointments, and assured the public of the security and integrity of voter registration data for the 2027 General Election.

The IEBC challenges Gachagua bribery evidence and other unsubstantiated claims as detrimental to this goal.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has recently issued a direct challenge to Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), demanding concrete evidence to substantiate his allegations of bribery and political interference within the commission. IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon explicitly dismissed these claims as unsubstantiated, particularly those suggesting a house was acquired for IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon to influence his decisions. The electoral body insists that Gachagua must present verifiable proof of the alleged property transaction to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The IEBC has outlined the specific documentation required for any investigation, including the precise location of the alleged house, copies of sale agreements, transfer documents, payment receipts, and comprehensive details identifying both the seller and the purchaser. Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon also highlighted a significant discrepancy in Gachagua's claims, noting that the alleged value of the property had reportedly escalated from an initial Sh80 million to Sh200 million. The commission underscored that such unverified accusations could severely erode public trust in the electoral process as Kenya prepares for the upcoming 2027 General Election.

In response to claims of predetermined awards and political interference concerning the procurement of electoral technology and ballot papers, the IEBC clarified that the processes for acquiring the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) and ballot papers are still in their preliminary stages, with no tenders having been awarded to any company thus far. These procurement activities are currently on a temporary hold, following requests for review lodged with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB), highlighting the rigorous oversight mechanisms in place for IEBC 2027 General Election tenders.

The commission emphasized its commitment to transparency, stating that all tender documents were made publicly accessible on its official website and the Public Procurement Information Portal on August 11, 2026. The IEBC maintains that the technical specifications for these tenders are generic, performance-based, and designed to be open to all qualified suppliers. All procurement decisions, the commission affirmed, will strictly adhere to Article 227 of the Constitution, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and other relevant legal frameworks, countering any suggestions of Kenya electoral procurement interference.

Beyond the specific allegations of bribery and procurement irregularities, the IEBC also addressed broader claims of misconduct involving its chairperson, vice chairperson, and other commissioners, unequivocally labeling them as false and fabricated. The commission defended the appointment process for its current commissioners, asserting that it was conducted publicly and subsequently affirmed as lawful through a court process. This stance reinforces the IEBC's position on maintaining its independence and executing its constitutional mandate free from political influence.

The electoral body further rejected assertions that voter registration data could be manipulated or that voters from specific regions might be suppressed during system migration. It assured the public that the Register of Voters remains under its exclusive custody and undergoes multiple layers of verification, validation, biometric de-duplication, and audit processes before being certified for use in any election. These measures are critical to ensuring the integrity of the electoral roll and public confidence in the voting process.

As the IEBC implements its strategic roadmap towards the August 10, 2027 General Election, it reiterated its unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, peaceful, and credible poll. The commission acknowledged the importance of constructive criticism and accountability but firmly stated its intention to challenge what it deems malicious allegations designed to undermine confidence in Kenya’s electoral processes. The IEBC challenges Gachagua bribery evidence and other unsubstantiated claims as detrimental to this goal.

In light of the ongoing preparations, the IEBC urged political leaders, citizens, civil society organizations, Parliament, and the media to engage with the electoral body through established legal and accountability mechanisms rather than resorting to unsubstantiated public accusations. This call for lawful and constructive engagement is central to fostering a credible electoral environment and ensuring public trust in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.

Lawyers advising on public procurement in Kenya should note the heightened scrutiny and potential for challenges, such as PPARB reviews, in high-profile electoral tenders. This reinforces the critical need for strict adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and the importance of substantiating any allegations through established legal channels like the EACC.

Source: Original reporting via Kenyan news sources