Mudavadi terms 2027 rigging claims by a section of KK leaders cheap politics

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi said anyone claiming they would rig the 2027 polls in Ruto’s favour does not speak for Kenya Kwanza. [File, Standard]

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has denounced claims by a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders that the 2027 General Election will be rigged in favour of President William Ruto.

He said the remarks are irresponsible and detrimental to the country’s democratic processes, and risk undermining public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"Let’s stop casting doubts on the credibility of the IEBC. President Ruto has not assigned anyone to steal the election for him. He will win through the democratic process, not manipulation, and therefore I want to urge leaders across the political divide to refrain from such utterances,” he said.

Speaking on Friday during a women empowerment program organised by President's aide Farouk Kibet in Malava in Kakamega County, Mudavadi said it was unacceptable for leaders to make reckless statements that paint the ruling coalition as anti-democracy.

He said anyone claiming they would rig the 2027 polls in Ruto’s favour does not speak for Kenya Kwanza and should be disowned immediately and denied any platform to perpetuate such claims.

"If anybody stands on a platform and says they will steal the election for Ruto, that person should be removed from all government platforms. That is cheap politics. We must rise above such petty and dangerous rhetoric,” said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said that President Ruto is going to win the elections in 2027 without stealing.

“The head of state is going to be re-elected in a free and fair manner. There will be no violence whatsoever during the elections. Ruto won't steal elections. Let's stop casting doubt on the integrity of the IEBC because it will conduct a free and fair election,” said Mudavadi.

He said the IEBC will do their due diligence and conduct a fair process.

“If you believe in Ruto, don't talk about him stealing votes. Talk about Ruto winning votes. This is the message we should send to our people. We are speaking as if we are kids. How do you stand on a platform and talk nonsense?” he added.

The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed concern that such statements not only erode confidence in institutions but also damage Kenya’s image internationally.

"You cannot go around talking to churches, local media, and international media saying such things. It is reckless and damages the democratic gains we have made as a country,” he said.