A political storm is brewing after Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow publicly declared intentions to rig the 2027 presidential election in favor of President William Ruto, triggering widespread backlash and calls for immediate investigation by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking during a homecoming event in Wajir on July 12, 2025, Jehow made what many have termed as reckless and undemocratic comments, proudly stating that legislators from the North Eastern region were prepared to do “whatever it takes” to ensure Ruto remains in power — including stealing votes.
“Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern, maneno ya President tunasema ‘tutam’. Hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, tutamwibia… hio si siri,” Jehow said, which translates 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.”
VIRAL VIDEO TRIGGERS NATIONAL FURY
The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking anger and calls for accountability. Kenyans and political leaders demanded President Ruto distance himself from such utterances and disciplinary action be taken against the MP.
Veteran journalist Ali Manzu condemned the statement as “totally unacceptable,” praying for divine intervention to “protect this nation from such reckless behavior.”
LEGAL AND DEMOCRATIC CONCERNS RAISED
Legal experts have warned that such public confessions of electoral misconduct, whether serious or political banter, should not be dismissed lightly. They note that such remarks undermine public trust in electoral systems, even if no actual rigging occurs.
“These statements fertilize doubt in the electoral process and could easily be used to discredit credible elections,” said a Nairobi-based constitutional lawyer.
SIFUNA CALLS OUT DOUBLE STANDARDS
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, also the Secretary General of the ODM Party, lashed out at the government for its selective response to political speech. He pointed out that opposition leaders are swiftly arrested for their remarks, while those aligned with the ruling party enjoy impunity.
“You tell us not to campaign until 2027, but your allies are out here confessing to rigging plans. As a lawyer, I know this is a criminal offense,” Sifuna said during a rally in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
Sifuna further challenged the IEBC and other oversight bodies like the NCIC, accusing them of acting only against government critics while turning a blind eye to blatant breaches by those in power.
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON IEBC TO ACT
The newly reconstituted IEBC, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, is now under pressure to demonstrate its independence by summoning Jehow and launching investigations into the alarming vote-rigging claims.
“The IEBC must summon these leaders to explain how they plan to rig elections. The law is clear—any attempt to manipulate the electoral process is a serious crime,” Sifuna added.
Despite mounting pressure, IEBC had not yet issued a formal statement regarding Jehow’s remarks at the time of publication.
A DANGEROUS TREND
The incident has once again spotlighted the dangerous trend of political impunity, where elected leaders make incendiary comments without fear of consequences. As Kenyans prepare for the 2027 General Election, analysts warn that unchecked propaganda and loose talk could fuel instability, violence, and mistrust in Kenya’s fragile democracy.
With public confidence in institutions already shaken, this latest scandal underscores the urgent need for accountability, legal action, and leadership restraint ahead of future elections.
