“You Are Warned!” – Atwoli To Gachagua over IEBC procurement claims
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against what he termed a ‘proof by assertion fallacy’.
This is after Gachagua made claims regarding the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a press statement on Thursday, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) said it had taken serious note of Gachagua’s allegations made on Wednesday.
According to COTU, unsubstantiated attacks on the electoral body’s credibility risk destabilising the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“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.
The union raised concern that Gachagua’s remarks could be laying the political groundwork for rejecting the outcome of next year’s election in advance.
Citing Article 249(2) of the Constitution, COTU (K) reminded Gachagua that IEBC operates as an independent constitutional commission and that no individual, including him, has the authority to dictate how it discharges its mandate.
The union noted that any legitimate procurement concerns should be channelled through established institutions, procedures and legal remedies.
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COTU also questioned Gachagua’s apparent preference for Smartmatic as an alternative technology provider, arguing that his position undermines his own claims against IEBC.
The union said Gachagua had accused the commission of designing its procurement process around a preferred firm, yet appeared to be doing the same by endorsing Smartmatic without explanation.
“Gachagua must explain to Kenyans why he himself appears to be prescribing another private company as his preferred election technology provider,” the statement read.
Before adding that he ought to disclose the basis for concluding that Smartmatic is the technology IEBC should retain.
The union warned that electoral and tribal conflict would disproportionately harm workers, women and children.
It also called on Gachagua and other political leaders to exercise restraint as the country heads toward the 2027 polls.
“You Are Warned!” – Atwoli To Gachagua over IEBC procurement claims
