Atwoli Warns Gachagua Over IEBC Procurement Claims Ahead of 2027 Elections

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against what he described as a “proof by assertion fallacy” in his criticism of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and its procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS).

In a statement issued on Thursday, COTU said it had taken serious note of allegations made by Gachagua on Wednesday concerning the electoral body's procurement process.

The workers' umbrella body warned that unsubstantiated claims questioning the credibility of the IEBC could heighten political tensions and threaten national stability as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.

“We wish to caution Rigathi Gachagua against his proof by assertion fallacy that might ultimately plunge this country into violence and thus affect the livelihoods of workers, women and children,” COTU (K) said.

COTU Raises Concern Over Election Dispute

COTU said Gachagua's remarks could amount to laying the political groundwork for disputing the outcome of the 2027 election before Kenyans even go to the polls.

The union urged political leaders to avoid statements that could undermine public confidence in electoral institutions, arguing that disputes over the conduct of elections should be addressed through established constitutional and legal mechanisms.

COTU invoked Article 249(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the independence of constitutional commissions and independent offices. The union reminded Gachagua that the IEBC has a constitutional mandate and that no individual should dictate how the commission carries out its responsibilities.

The organisation maintained that any genuine concerns surrounding the procurement of election technology should be presented through the appropriate institutions, procedures and legal remedies rather than through public allegations.

Smartmatic Questioned

COTU also challenged what it described as Gachagua's apparent preference for Smartmatic as an alternative election technology provider.

According to the union, Gachagua's position raises questions because he has criticised the IEBC for allegedly designing its procurement process around a preferred company while seemingly endorsing another private technology provider himself.

“Gachagua must explain to Kenyans why he himself appears to be prescribing another private company as his preferred election technology provider,” COTU said.

The union further called on the former Deputy President to explain the basis for his conclusion that Smartmatic is the technology provider the IEBC should retain.

Call for Political Restraint

COTU warned that electoral disputes, particularly when combined with ethnic and political tensions, could have far-reaching consequences for ordinary Kenyans.

The union said workers, women and children would be among those most affected should political disagreements escalate into violence or instability.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, COTU urged Gachagua and other political leaders to exercise restraint, respect constitutional institutions and pursue electoral concerns through lawful channels.

The organisation said protecting the credibility of Kenya's electoral process should remain a shared national responsibility, with political leaders expected to promote stability rather than deepen divisions ahead of the polls.