Gachagua Says Police Cannot Be Trusted to Safeguard 2027 Votes

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended calls for opposition supporters to guard their votes during the 2027 general elections, rejecting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s warning against mobilising civilians at polling stations.

Speaking at a political gathering, Gachagua said voters have a right to protect their ballots and dismissed Murkomen’s criticism. He compared the idea to hiring private security despite the presence of police, arguing that citizens should not be expected to rely only on state institutions. 

"We saw Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen criticising us on the plans to guard our votes. Are the votes his?" he asked. "If we vote and decide to guard our votes, is there a problem?"

He also questioned the Ministry of Interior’s ability to guarantee a credible election. Using a metaphor, Gachagua said trusting the ministry with the electoral process was like "entrusting the hyena with your goats." He said opposition supporters would organise themselves to ensure ballots were not interfered with and that young people would be mobilised to protect polling stations after voting.

Murkomen has rejected that position, warning that the government will not allow civilians or politicians to take on security roles at polling stations. Speaking on 1 August, he said the phrase kuchunga kura, meaning "guarding the vote", had become a coded reference to violence. 

He urged political leaders to avoid language that could encourage unrest and said election campaigns should remain peaceful, issue-based and focused on national development. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also restated that only authorised officials, party agents, observers and accredited personnel are allowed inside polling stations. 

During the recent Ol Kalou by-election, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon urged voters to cast their ballots peacefully and leave after voting. He also warned against the emergence of "super agents" who remain around polling centres. The commission said its existing procedures provide adequate safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability.