IEBC Should Call Off New Election System Tender – Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cancel the tender for a new election system. 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, Gachagua urged the electoral body to instead upgrade the existing election system and use it in the 2027 General Election. 

“I call upon the IEBC to call off this tender and instead upgrade the current system to address the few shortcomings identified so far,” Gachagua stated. 

The DCP Party leader argued that it is impossible for IEBC to procure and set up a new election system within 11 months. 

According to Gachagua, a new electoral system will require significant time for digital migration, testing, and addressing technical challenges.

“It is my considered opinion, following advice from procurement experts and IEBC insiders, that it is not technically possible to procure a new election management system given that the elections are 11 months away, and there is practically no time to facilitate digital migration from the current system and address whatever inadequacies are anticipated,” he stated. 

At the same time, Gachagua alleged that the move to procure a new system is a scheme to alter the voter’s register in favor of President William Ruto. 

“There is real and genuine fear that the change of the election management system at this late hour is a scheme to interfere with the voters' register, mostly in areas where Mr. William Ruto has been openly rejected,” he alleged. 

Further, Gachagua accused IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon and Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah of harassing IEBC staff. 

He claimed that some IEBC officials reached out to him and requested him to inform Kenyans that they are being intimidated. 

“I call upon the IEBC Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to stop the harassment and victimization of staff who have chosen professionalism and patriotism over manipulation and corruption,” Gachagua added. 

This comes days after IEBC dismissed Gachagua’s allegations regarding the procurement of electoral technology for the 2027 General Election. 

In a statement on Thursday, August 27, the commission accused Gachagua of spreading misinformation about the electoral body and its officials. 

The IEBC said all its procurement processes were conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and other applicable regulations.

The commission confirmed that the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), hardware equipment and accessories, as well as ballot papers and other election materials, had been temporarily halted following a request for review filed at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

However, the IEBC insisted that the technology tender process remained open and transparent, noting that tender documents were uploaded to the IEBC website and the Public Procurement Information Portal on August 11, 2026.

"The Commission informs the public that the procurement process for technology commenced with the advertisement of the tender and it is still at its initial stages.

"No award has been made to any company since the Commission is not aware of those companies that would be competing in this tender," the statement read.

IEBC said the technical specifications were generic and performance-based and were open to any qualified supplier. 

It said the specifications had been informed by Supreme Court directives, lessons from previous elections and feedback from field officers.

The commission assured the public and interested bidders that the process would be conducted on merit and in compliance with Article 227 of the Constitution and procurement laws.