Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called out a Kenya Kwanza-affiliated MP who recently made controversial remarks suggesting the alliance would resort to vote rigging to retain power in 2027.
Mudavadi expressed deep concern over the lawmaker’s comments, describing them as “cheap politics” that tarnish the reputation of President William Ruto and the integrity of the ruling alliance.
“This nonsense must stop. If someone says, ‘Even if it means stealing votes, we’ll do it,’ remove that person from the platform. They are giving Ruto a bad name,” Mudavadi said.
He emphasised that such rhetoric undermines the legitimacy of Kenya Kwanza’s democratic agenda, especially at a time when the coalition is working to position itself as a credible force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If you are in Kenya Kwanza and you believe in Ruto, don’t talk about stealing votes. Talk about winning votes,” he added.
“This is the message we should be sending to our people.”
Addressing the gravity of the issue, Mudavadi noted the presence of local and international observers at the event and criticised the MP’s lack of decorum.
“You are speaking in front of serious people, the international media, local media, the church, and you utter such statements? It makes us look like children,” he lamented.
The Prime CS reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to democratic principles, insisting that President Ruto’s re-election bid would be built on legitimacy, not manipulation.
“We are not in the business of stealing votes,” Mudavadi said firmly.
“We are in the business of asking for and winning legitimate elections. That is how President Ruto is going to win the 2027 elections.”
Mudavadi’s remarks follow claims made by Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Jehow on July 12, 2025, alleging a plot to rig the upcoming elections in Ruto’s favour.
Then, Jehow boldly claimed that MPs from the North Eastern region will support Ruto in 2027 and will go a step further to manipulate the outcome of the election should the votes not be enough.
Insisting that it is not a secret, she said MPs from the region will use underhanded tactics to deliver victory for Ruto.
“Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakua na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri,” she said.
This is loosely translated to, (We, MPs from North Eastern, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him… that’s no secret.)
