IEBC Breaks Silence on Gachagua’s South Korean Firm Tender Claims

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to allegations by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua concerning the Commission’s preparations and procurement of election technology ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a press release issued on August 27, 2026, IEBC said the procurement of its Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), ballot papers and other election materials is being conducted in line with the Constitution and public procurement laws.

“The Commission conducts all its procurement processes in strict compliance with Chapter Twelve of the Constitution of Kenya and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 (PPADA), together with all applicable regulations and procedures,” IEBC stated.

The commission said it has temporarily halted the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), hardware equipment and accessories, as well as ballot papers and other election materials after a request for review was filed before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

IEBC Clarifies Status of 2027 Election Tenders

The two tenders affected are Tender No. IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027 for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the IEMS, hardware equipment and accessories.

The second, Tender No. IEBC/OIT/02/2026-2027, covers the supply and delivery of ballot papers, tactile folders, the Register of Voters and statutory election result declaration forms.

Also Read: Gachagua Reveals Details of Company Awarded IEBC Technology Tender

Meanwhile, the IEBC also dismissed allegations surrounding the appointment of its members saying authorities conducted the process publicly before a court later subjected it to legal scrutiny and determined it lawful.

“The appointment of the members of this Commission was conducted publicly. Moreover, the process was subjected to a court process and was determined as lawful. Any attempts to re-write or distort the process and outcome of that process are unnecessary distractions to the Commission and the public. The Commission having been properly constituted is focused on its mandate and owes its allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of Kenya,” the Commission stated.

IEBC Demands Evidence Over Ksh 200 Million House Claim

Additionally, the commission challenged Gachagua to provide evidence for his allegation that politicians bought a house for the IEBC chairperson to influence him.

The IEBC said the alleged value of the house initially stood at Ksh 80 million before rising to Ksh 200 million.

Consequently, it asked Gachagua to submit evidence, including the property’s location, sale and transfer documents, payment receipts and details of the seller and purchaser, to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The commission also accused the DCP leader of spreading misinformation and mounting a smear campaign against its chairperson, vice chairperson, commissioners and staff.

Also Read: Police to Submit List of ‘Unfit’ Politicians to IEBC

Commission Explains Personnel Changes

On allegations involving changes to its staff, the IEBC said it follows its human resource policies, guidelines and other applicable public service instruments when managing its employees.

“The Commission will continue to deploy and redeploy its personnel to enhance service delivery. This is a normal administrative function and should not be politicized,” it stated.

Furthermore, the commission rejected allegations of malpractice involving its chairperson and vice chairperson. It said Gachagua had made similar claims against the vice chairperson during the Magarini by-election last year.

The IEBC maintained that it conducted the Magarini by-election freely, fairly and credibly. It also pointed out that no election petition followed the poll.

“The Magarini by-election was conducted in a free, fair and credible manner and there was no election petition filed. Furthermore, the Commission has successfully conducted a number of by-elections and is fully prepared to conduct the 2027 General Election,” IEBC said.

Finally, the commission said it remains focused on preparing for the 2027 General Election and urged anyone with concerns about its officials to use the appropriate legal and institutional channels.

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Photo of DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua during a meeting with the Nyandarua delegation team at the Wamunyoro residence on July 29
PHOTO/Gachagua/FB