New poll tech splits Gachagua, Kalonzo as IEBC faces fresh siege
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is clashing with other opposition leaders over the choice of technology firm for the 2027 Kenyan elections. Gachagua opposes the potential selection of a South Korean firm, while government allies dismiss his concerns as political posturing.
Why it matters
The integrity of electoral technology is a critical factor in the stability and perceived legitimacy of Kenya's upcoming general elections.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua during a presser flanked by Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Nairobi on August 26, 2026
Key opposition chiefs have differed on the technology firm that the electoral commission should engage to supply critical poll technology even as they jointly lay siege on IEBC.
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has broken ranks with the rest of the opposition and is demanding that IEBC retain a controversial Venezuelan firm, accused by the late Raila Odinga of allegedly rigging the 2022 polls.
Just months ago, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, his DP counterpart Justin Muturi and Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K demanded that the IEBC completely sever ties with Smartmatic, the Venezuelan firm it contracted in 2022.
Gachagua now alleges IEBC is on the verge of awarding the lucrative contract to Miru Systems Co Ltd, a South Korean firm which he alleges is already compromised by President William Ruto.
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