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Did Ruto Snub Charles Nyachae for IEBC Chair? Gachagua’s Explosive Allegations
Date: May 12, 2025
Gachagua Alleges Ethnic Bias in IEBC Chair Nomination
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sensationally claimed that President William Ruto bypassed the top candidate, Charles Nyachae, in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson interviews due to a grudge against the Kisii community.
Speaking on Monday during a radio interview, Gachagua said the IEBC Selection Panel ranked Nyachae highest, but Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon instead. He alleged that the decision was politically and ethnically motivated.
Charles Nyachae was reportedly ranked first in the IEBC chairperson interviews.
“President Has Issues with Kisii Community” – Gachagua
“We received information from the selection panel that Charles Nyachae was ranked number one for the position of IEBC chairperson. The President was given two names, and he removed him,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed, “From what I’m told, the President is angry with the Kisii community, saying the late Mzee Nyachae beat him in South Mugirango, so he has issues with this community, and that’s why he refused to appoint Charles Nyachae.”
Gachagua: Nyachae Is Independent and Unbribable
Gachagua defended Nyachae as a competent and wealthy leader who would have been immune to political influence and bribery. “He also has a proven track record; he served as chairman of the Constitutional Implementation Commission and did a good job. He has also served as a judge at the East African Court,” he said.
Gachagua questioned the integrity of the current nominee: “The person who has been nominated as Chair used to work for Nanok, and Nanok works for the President. So, they are trying to control the IEBC from State House.”
Calls for Transparent Elections in 2027
Despite his criticism, Gachagua acknowledged that the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling mandates that final election results are declared at polling stations, not at the national tallying centre. He emphasized the need to invest in reliable polling agents for the 2027 elections.
“Our job is to safeguard our agents at the polling stations and protect our votes,” he asserted.
Who Was Nominated to the IEBC?
On Thursday, President Ruto officially nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the IEBC Chairperson. Other nominees for commissioner roles include:
- Ann Njeri Nderitu
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah
The names have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.
