Mudavadi: Ruto will win 2027 fairly, no need to tarnish IEBC

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned politicians against casting aspersions on the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a fundraiser for the Malava Empowerment Programme at Luanda-K in Malava Constituency on Friday, Mudavadi dismissed claims by a section of leaders that President William Ruto will rig the next election, terming the remarks as “cheap politics.”

Mudavadi affirmed that the new commission will deliver free, fair, and credible elections in which Ruto will win democratically, not through vote rigging.

“No one should tarnish the integrity of the IEBC. Let us not blemish the future of this country by making jokes about serious national matters,” he said.

“It is cheap politics to claim that Ruto will steal the election. We are not in the business of rigging votes but in the business of earning legitimate votes and winning fairly.”

He said he had predicted Ruto’s victory in 2022 and maintains that he will win again in 2027.

Mudavadi said the IEBC, now fully constituted, is set to begin its work, starting with several upcoming by-elections across the country.

He urged residents of Western Kenya to rally behind President Ruto’s bid for a second term.

“Let us support Ruto to win in 2027, and then I will tell you what I’m planning next,” he added, hinting at his own political ambitions.

Mudavadi also said the government will fast-track planned development projects in the region. He encouraged residents to embrace cooperative societies, terming them the surest way to accelerate regional economic growth.

“This is how we’re going to change our economy and uplift our people,” he noted.

The event was attended by MPs Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Innocent Gugabe (Likuyani), John Bwire (Taveta), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda, UDA Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.

Kibet said the Luhya community is well-positioned to succeed Ruto in 2032. Several leaders also expressed support for the proposed intergenerational dialogue with the youth, initiated by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.