Public utterances by allies of President William Ruto suggesting a plot to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 elections in his favour have triggered a fresh controversy and raised questions about the independence of the electoral agency.
The talk of rigging the polls continued at the weekend when Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula and Hamisi MP Charles Gemose openly told UDA delegates drawn from Western Kenya to assist in influencing the outcome of the polls at their respective polling stations on election day, August 9, next year.
President William Ruto waits to receive French President Emmanuel Macron at State House, Nairobi, Kenya May 10, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
The politicians suggested that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was an appendage of the executive since it depends on “budget allocation by President Ruto’s administration," therefore it was impossible for him to lose in a contest presided by the agency.
“I want you, as UDA delegates, that when you go to the polling stations (in 2027), make sure you do some fixing for Ruto. I have been in Parliament for three terms, and I know how to do these things (manipulation),” said Mr Gemose.
Mr Savula said: “It is us (government) paying IEBC and the commissioners. Ruto is the owner of the budget that supports IEBC. You are mad if you think he can lose the election.”
He cited Uganda and Tanzania, where incumbents Yoweri Museveni and Samia Suluhu secured fresh terms by polling 72 per cent and 98 per cent, respectively. The polls in the two neighbouring countries were marred with major controversies, including barring leading rivals from participating.
The remarks made in the presence of Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who is leading Dr Ruto’s campaign in the region, add to the growing public utterances of alleged plan to manipulate the 2027 polls.
However, on Sunday, Mr Savula told the Nation that his remarks were taken out of context, stating that there was no plot to rig the election.
Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula. File | Nation Media Group
“I was just reminding our people that Dr Ruto will win. In Africa, most sitting presidents have easily won re-election. We are just preparing Kenyans for another term for Ruto. Opposition candidates we have now have no support beyond their regions,” said Mr Savula.
State House Communication officials and the Government Spokesperson did not respond to Nation's inquiries about these utterances.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar told the Nation that the remarks do not represent the position of the party in any way.
"That certainly doesn't represent the Party's position," said Mr Omar.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar, accompanied by other UDA party officials, speaks during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi on May 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
"The Party will win the elections in a free and fair election, representing the popular will of Kenyans."
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also said there was no plan to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
"President Ruto has done tremendously well in transforming the country," Mr Mwaura told the Nation .
Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura briefs media on December 19, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
"We therefore have confidence that Kenyans will re-elect him based on his track record. The rest are mere statements that should be dismissed with the contempt that they deserve," he added.
It is not the first time UDA allies have made such assertions. Last year, Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow said that the North Eastern region would ensure President Ruto gets a second term in office, even if it means manipulating the outcome.
“When it comes to the President, we say two terms. We are just waiting for the ballot; even if we don’t have (enough) votes, we will steal for him. That’s no secret,” Ms Jehow said.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, Tiaty legislator William Kamket, Dadaab representative Farah Maalim and his Baringo North counterpart Joseph Makilap have also made similar remarks in the past.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
“There is no President who has ruled for only five years in this country. Will this one (President Ruto) be the first one? How will that be possible? Where will we be to allow that to happen?” Mr Sudi said at a public rally earlier in the year.
“Those online critics shouting ‘Ruto must go’, whether they jump up, go down, or move sideways, Ruto is not going anywhere. Let it be clear that President Ruto is going nowhere. Even if his votes will not be enough, we will add the votes,” added the MP.
“If they joke, you know I come from the county of 24 years. Baringo County knows how to manufacture a president to survive for 24 years. If they joke, we can tell you to extend past the two terms," Mr Kamket said.
On Sunday, Opposition leaders termed the remarks as reckless, with the potential of plunging the country into political violence similar to what was witnessed in 2007. They also described the calls to influence the polls as a confirmation by UDA that they cannot win the polls in a fair contest.
While acknowledging that it could be pointing at a clear plan to rig the polls, the opposition politicians said it could also be part of UDA propaganda to occasion voter apathy, which they hope to work in their favour.
