Gachagua accuses Ruto of bias against Abagusii community in IEBC reconstitution

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto over the ongoing reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing him of sidelining the Abagusii community and rejecting a qualified candidate out of personal vendetta.
In a media interview on Monday, May 12, 2025, Gachagua claimed that Ruto deliberately removed Charles Nyachae’s name from the shortlist for the IEBC chairperson position, despite the selection panel ranking him as the top candidate.
“I won’t shy away from saying that this President does not wish the Abagusii community well. Your son, Charles Nyachae — we got information from the panel that he was ranked number one to become the IEBC chair. When the President was presented with two names, he removed him,” Gachagua stated.
He alleged that the decision to drop Nyachae was rooted in unresolved political grudges dating back to the 2007 general election involving the late Simeon Nyachae, Charles’ father.
“I am told the President harbours resentment against the Abagusii community because, in 2007, our late elder Nyachae defeated him in South Mugirango. That’s why he rejected Charles Nyachae,” the former Deputy President stated.

Additionally, Gachagua claimed that those who have been appointed to the commission are close allies of State House.
“One of the appointees worked under a staffer of the president. This new IEBC will be answerable to State House,” he added.
Integrity
Gachagua went on to defend Nyachae’s credentials, describing him as a man of integrity and experience who is not easily influenced by political interests.
“Now, in the list of commissioners, there is no one from your region. Yet Charles Nyachae is a well-known figure. If he had been appointed chair, Kenyans would have been satisfied because he is well-established and wealthy, not someone who can be easily influenced by bribes; he has a proven track record and has done commendable work. He chaired the implementation of the Constitution very well and served as a judge at the East African Court of Justice,” he remarked.
No impact
Despite the concerns, Gachagua downplayed the impact of the reconstituted IEBC on the actual results of the next general election, citing the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling that results announced at the polling station are final.
He insisted that the opposition’s strategy would deliver a decisive win in 2027, with a margin too wide to manipulate.
“The election will not be decided by the IEBC. It will be decided by Kenyans. Kenyans are the ones who will vote. So even though the President picked people he believes can help him win the next election, we are going to vote, and we want a margin that ensures we hit 70 plus one, so that no matter what is done, it will be impossible to interfere with the vote. I am confident we will succeed,” he asserted.

He urged his supporters to focus on protecting votes at the grassroots level, emphasising the need for well-trained agents and vigilant oversight at polling stations across the country.
“Our job is to protect our vote at the polling station, to place proper agents there and ensure the election is conducted well. Their job is just to ensure the election is well-prepared, everything is in order, and people go out to vote — and the votes are counted,” he stated.