Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a sharp rebuke to MPs making reckless statements about election rigging, insisting the Kenya Kwanza government will seek a legitimate win in the 2027 General Elections—not stolen votes.

Speaking during an economic empowerment event in Malava on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mudavadi was joined by President William Ruto’s close ally Farouk Kibet and other senior leaders from the ruling coalition.

The event, meant to bolster grassroots support in Western Kenya, took a serious political turn when Mudavadi addressed growing concerns over recent controversial remarks from within Kenya Kwanza’s ranks.

“We are not in the business of stealing votes; we are in the business of asking and winning legitimate elections,” Mudavadi declared, drawing applause from the crowd.

His statement comes in response to comments made by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, who publicly said she and other MPs from Northeastern Kenya would rig the 2027 vote in favor of President Ruto.

At a rally in Wajir on July 12, Jehow was heard saying: “Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakua na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri.” (Translation: “We, MPs from the Northeast, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him—that’s no secret.”

Her remarks ignited a firestorm of criticism from across the political divide and civil society, forcing Kenya Kwanza leaders to respond.

Mudavadi did not mince words in Malava. In a direct message to Farouk Kibet, he was overheard saying, “Farouk, fire those MPs! They are messing up our names!” He later addressed the issue publicly, urging immediate disciplinary action.

“If anybody stands on a platform and says Kenya Kwanza will steal votes in 2027, dismiss them immediately. They are painting Ruto badly,” Mudavadi warned.

The Prime CS emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, noting that Kenya’s democracy is under constant scrutiny. “We are addressing the church, the media, and the world, not children. We must set the right example,” he said.

The incident has intensified internal debates within Kenya Kwanza, highlighting the delicate balance between loyalty and accountability as the 2027 campaign season slowly picks up momentum.