Kindiki defends Ruto amid 2027 polls rigging claims
By Aloys Michael, May 25, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration against growing claims of possible election interference ahead of the 2027 General Election, insisting the government remains committed to free and fair polls.
Speaking in Kisii on Monday, May 25, 2026, during the commissioning of Geturi Senior School in Kitutu Chache North Constituency amid mounting political controversy triggered by remarks from some leaders allied to the ruling coalition that have fuelled fears of vote manipulation and rigging.
“I want to say without fear of contradiction that President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration believe in the rule of law; believe in democracy; believe in healthy competition, and we do not condone the language of election interference,” Kindiki said.
The DP was in the region to inspect ongoing government projects, including roads, a senior school and the launch of electricity connectivity programmes for residents.
“We expect free and fair elections. IEBC stood firm and upheld Ruto’s election in 2022. The decision of the electorate must be respected. President Ruto and all of us do not believe in interfering with democracy. We stand for free, fair, transparent elections,” he remarked.
Kindiki’s remarks come at a time when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing renewed scrutiny over claims of voter register manipulation and fears of electoral malpractice ahead of 2027.
The debate intensified after a series of controversial remarks by politicians allied to the ruling coalition appeared to suggest that President Ruto’s re-election was already guaranteed.
Among those criticised was Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, whose comments sparked accusations from opposition leaders and civil society groups that some politicians were undermining confidence in the electoral process.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the electoral agency, accusing it of remaining silent despite repeated remarks from senior leaders suggesting votes could be manipulated.
Speaking during an interview with Kameme TV, Kalonzo questioned why politicians making inflammatory remarks had not been investigated or reprimanded.
Rigging uproar
“Kama jamaa anaweza sema uchaguzi unaokuja hata kama kura hazitatosha tutaongeza, huyo ni mtu wa aina gani?” Kalonzo posed.
“Hajashikwa, na hatujasikia IEBC ikimkemea mtu kama huyo. And he has not been taken to write a statement.”
Kalonzo was referring to remarks by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who recently appeared to suggest that additional votes could be secured if necessary to guarantee victory in 2027.
“Nataka nikwambie wewe Wamunyoro [Gachagua], hakuna mtu anaongoza Kenya hii kwa miaka tano. Hiyo kura isipojaa tutajaza na tutajaza na hawa wananchi hawa,” Sudi said at a public gathering.
Similar remarks by other Kenya Kwanza politicians, including Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow and Tiaty MP William Kamket, have further intensified concerns over the credibility of the next election.
Opposition leaders have also raised fears over the integrity of the voter register, claiming that foreigners could be fraudulently registered as Kenyan voters in border counties to influence the 2027 outcome.
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje recently asked Parliament to investigate anomalies in voter registration records, claiming some voters registered in Nairobi had been linked to polling stations in counties such as Garissa and Wajir.
“These concerns raise serious questions over the integrity, accuracy and credibility of the voters’ register,” Mwenje told Parliament.
“Such allegations, if confirmed, have the potential to undermine public confidence in the electoral process and may occasion disenfranchisement of voters who might not be able to access their designated voting stations.”
The IEBC has denied wrongdoing and insists its voter registration and data management systems remain secure and compliant with the law.
As political temperatures continue rising ahead of 2027, Kindiki said Kenya’s democracy must be protected through respect for constitutional institutions and the will of voters.
Kindiki also defended the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions, citing how the disputed 2022 presidential election outcome was upheld by the Supreme Court of Kenya after opposition leaders challenged Ruto’s victory in court.
The controversy has since forced senior Kenya Kwanza officials, including UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, to distance the administration from any perception of election interference, insisting controversial remarks by individual politicians do not reflect the official position of the ruling party.