NAIROBI, Kenya — COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against what he described as a “proof by assertion fallacy” in his claims concerning the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) said it had taken serious note of allegations made by Gachagua on Wednesday regarding the electoral commission’s procurement process.
Gachagua has linked the tender awarded to Miru Systems to an alleged plot to rig the 2027 General Election, claims that have drawn criticism from COTU.
The union warned that unsubstantiated attacks on the credibility of IEBC could heighten political tensions and potentially destabilise the country ahead of the elections.
“We wish to caution Rigathi Gachagua against his proof by assertion fallacy that might ultimately plunge this country into violence and thus affect the livelihoods of workers, women and children,” COTU (K) said.
COTU Raises Concern Over Election Dispute
COTU said Gachagua’s remarks risk creating a political environment in which the results of the 2027 election could be challenged before Kenyans even cast their votes.
The union suggested that such claims could amount to laying the groundwork for rejecting the outcome of the election in advance.
COTU cited Article 249(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the independence of constitutional commissions, and reminded Gachagua that IEBC has a constitutional mandate to conduct electoral processes without direction from political actors.
The union said any genuine concerns regarding the procurement process should instead be presented before the appropriate oversight bodies and addressed through established legal procedures.
Union Questions Support for Smartmatic
COTU also questioned Gachagua’s apparent preference for Smartmatic as an alternative election technology provider.
The union argued that Gachagua’s position appeared inconsistent with his criticism of IEBC for allegedly structuring its procurement process around a preferred company.
“Gachagua must explain to Kenyans why he himself appears to be prescribing another private company as his preferred election technology provider,” the statement read.
COTU called on the former Deputy President to explain the basis for his belief that Smartmatic should be retained as Kenya’s election technology provider.
The union maintained that procurement decisions should be based on transparent and legally established processes rather than political preferences.
Atwoli Calls for Political Restraint
COTU warned that electoral disputes and politically driven ethnic tensions could have serious consequences for ordinary Kenyans, particularly workers, women and children.
The union urged Gachagua and other political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
COTU said protecting the credibility of electoral institutions and maintaining peace should remain a priority as political activity intensifies ahead of the polls.
