Gachagua Raises Fresh Questions Over IEBC Election Technology TenderFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the procurement of an election technology system by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alleging that the outcome of the tender may have been decided before the official process is completed.
Speaking to journalists in Karen, Nairobi, on Wednesday, August 26, Gachagua claimed that a South Korean company was being favoured to win the contract for the supply and maintenance of an integrated elections management system and related hardware.
According to the former Deputy President, IEBC advertised the tender on August 11, 2026, with the process expected to close on September 1.
However, he alleged that the company that would eventually be awarded the contract had already been selected.
Gachagua described the ongoing procurement as a public relations exercise meant to give the impression that all interested companies were being given a fair opportunity to compete.
He also raised questions about changes within the IEBC procurement department.
The former Deputy President claimed that the commission’s procurement manager had been removed and replaced, alleging that the new official would help advance the tender process.
Gachagua further accused IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and the commission’s vice chairperson of pushing the procurement process despite opposition from some commissioners.
He claimed that the two officials had been compromised, although he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The former Deputy President also alleged that senior government officials had held meetings with representatives of the South Korean company. He claimed that discussions during the meetings involved efforts to integrate the firm’s technology with Kenya’s electoral systems.
One of the main concerns raised by Gachagua was the security of voter information. He alleged that the proposed arrangements could give the company access to Kenya’s voter registration database.
He argued that any system handling electoral information must have strong safeguards to protect voter data and maintain public confidence in the election process.
Gachagua also questioned the company’s previous work in other countries. He referred to alleged technology-related problems associated with elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines and Iraq.
He claimed that equipment supplied in the Democratic Republic of Congo had experienced delays and malfunctions, which he said raised questions about the company’s suitability for Kenya’s electoral system.
He further alleged that the proposed technology could be used to create a new voters’ register or interfere with voter participation in areas considered politically opposed to President William Ruto.
Among the regions he mentioned were Western Kenya, Nyanza, parts of the Mount Kenya region, Lower Eastern, Nairobi, Taveta, Lamu and sections of the Rift Valley, including Nakuru, Naivasha, Kajiado and Narok.
Gachagua did not provide evidence publicly to substantiate the allegations concerning the alleged pre-selection of the company, interference with the voters’ register or plans to suppress voters in particular regions.
The claims come at a time when preparations for the 2027 General Election are gradually taking shape, making questions surrounding election technology and voter data particularly sensitive.
IEBC had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication. The commission has previously maintained that its activities and procurement processes are conducted within the law and established procedures.
The tender process is expected to provide an opportunity for interested firms to submit their bids before the September 1 deadline.
The outcome and any subsequent explanations from IEBC are likely to attract close attention as Kenya continues preparations for the next General Election.
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