Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto rejected the nomination of Charles Nyachae as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson due to a long-standing feud with the Kisii community. Speaking during an interview on Egesa FM, Gachagua alleged that the IEBC Selection Panel had shortlisted Nyachae alongside Erastus Edung Ethekon, but the president opted for Ethekon for personal and political reasons.
“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 claimed the decision was influenced by historical political animosity, referencing an alleged altercation between Ruto and the late Simeon Nyachae during the 2007 General Election.
“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 further alleged that Ethekon’s nomination was orchestrated to give President Ruto leverage in the 2027 elections. According to Gachagua, Ethekon is closely aligned with Josphat Nanok, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State House, implying that the electoral body may be under the influence of the presidency.
“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 these concerns, Gachagua expressed confidence in winning the 2027 election. “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 asserted.
Gachagua has recently signaled intentions to form a new political alliance ahead of 2027, working closely with political heavyweights such as Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Mukhisa Kituyi. He is expected to officially launch his new political movement at the end of May.
