President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has taken a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting he should apply to become the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) so he can declare Ruto the winner of the 2027 election.

Speaking during an Empowerment forum at Kisuluni Chief’s Camp, Kikumbulyu North Ward, Kibwezi West, Makueni County, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Kibet mocked Gachagua’s concerns about the credibility of the electoral commission.

“And this issue of IEBC, I see, is troubling this tribalist. I don’t want to, I’m asking Mutuse, let this person (Gachagua) apply to IEBC to be given the position of chairman. We will just defeat him there, even when he is the chairman. He himself will announce that William Ruto has won the election,” Kibet stated.

Taunt over impeachment

The President’s aide continued his jab at the former Deputy President, referencing his impeachment.

“He should stop moving around and instead ask for a job.  Because he is impeached, he can’t get this presidential position, and he doesn’t want to announce somebody. Should that person lose or not lose?” Kibet asked.

“He should lose,” the crowd responded.

Kibet then posed a rhetorical question about Gachagua’s potential role as IEBC chairman.

“And we want him to be chairman so he can properly announce that William Ruto has won the election, or how about it? If the Kamba are with William Ruto, will William Ruto lose?” he concluded.

Gachagua’s concern over IEBC

KIbet’s statement comes days after Gachagua warned against government interference in Kenya’s electoral process,

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the former Deputy President vowed to resist what he described as attempts to capture independent institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Our progressive democracy must not be taken by this regime as having taken a retreat or a backseat; capturing independent institutions and using them as a means to biased ends and stolen future of our country shall be resisted,” Gachagua stated.

He cited irregularities witnessed during recent by-elections as a cause for alarm.

“It cannot be, as witnessed in the by-elections, state-sponsored goons and militia take over polling stations, government officers assume roles of electoral injustices, procurement of election materials and equipment rhyme worst election experiences across the world and an insecure election is what can be seen a step ahead,” he said.

Gachagua emphasised that Kenyans are demanding transparent and verifiable electoral processes.

“A transparent, free and fair, credible and verifiable election is what Kenyans are demanding, and we join them,” he stated.