Rigathi Gachagua Drops Bombshell on Why Ruto Didn’t Pick Nyachae as IEBC
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto vetoed the selection of Charles Nyachae as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), raising questions about political neutrality ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In an interview with Egesa FM on Monday, Gachagua claimed that the IEBC Selection Panel had recommended both Charles Nyachae and Erastus Edung Ethekon for nomination.
However, he said President Ruto opted for Ethekon, reportedly due to unresolved tensions between the Head of State and the Kisii community.
“The president does not wish well for the Kisii community. We have received reports that Nyachae was the preferred candidate to be the IEBC chairman. The president rejected him,” Gachagua stated.
He alleged that the rift dates back to a violent altercation between then-candidate William Ruto and the late Simeon Nyachae during the 2007 General Election.
According to Gachagua, the incident left lasting resentment that has now influenced high-level state appointments.
“He is still angry at the Kisii community because in 2007, the late Nyachae beat him up in South Mugirango and so he harbors anger with this community,” Gachagua added.
The former DP also questioned the independence of the IEBC under the current administration, claiming Ethekon’s nomination was intended to tilt the electoral playing field in Ruto’s favor in 2027.
He pointed out that Ethekon had previously worked under Josphat Nanok, the President’s Deputy Chief of Staff.
“The one who has been appointed was Nanok’s employee and Nanok serves the President. So they will be trying to control the IEBC from State House,” he said.
Despite expressing concerns about the commission’s leadership, Gachagua said he remained confident about his political chances, stressing that electoral victory would depend on voter turnout and grassroots mobilization.
“IEBC does not choose the winner, it is decided by Kenyans. Our job is to protect the votes at the polling station level and to put the right agents,” he said.
Gachagua has recently announced plans to form a new political movement by the end of May.
He is reportedly in talks with key opposition figures including Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Mukhisa Kituyi in preparation for the 2027 presidential contest.
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