Speaking in an interview with Egesa FM on Monday, the former DP claimed that sources privy to the matter intimated to him that the IEBC Selection Panel had submitted Nyachae and Erastus Edung Ethekon to the President for nomination.
But due to a long-standing feud with the Kisii community, Gachagua claims, Ruto nominated Ethekon despite Nyachae’s proven track record
“The president does not wish well for the Kisii community. We have received reports that Nyachae was the preferred candidate to be the IEBC chairman. The president rejected him,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua claimed that the tiff stemmed from a violent confrontation between President Ruto and the late political veteran Simeon Nyachae during the 2007 General Election.
“He (Ruto) is still angry at the Kisii community because in 2007, the late Nyachae beat him up in South Mugirango and so he harbors anger with this community,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that Ethekon’s nomination is set to favor President Ruto in 2027, noting that the candidate was working closely with Josphat Nanok, the president’s Deputy Chief of Staff.
“The one who has been appointed was Nanok’s employee and Nanok serves the President. So they will be trying to control the IEBC from State House,” Gachagua added.
The ousted DP however maintained that he has a firm strategy to secure all the votes in 2027, expressing confidence in defeating President Ruto in the 2027 contest.
“IEBC does not choose the winner, it is decided by Kenyans. Our job is to protect the votes at the polling station level and to put the right agents,” he said.
Gachagua has been hinting at launching a new political faction at the end of May, noting that the 2027 race is his to shape.
Some of the prominent leaders he is working with include former cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi.
He has also joined forces with political juggernauts Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa and Mukhisa Kituyi.
