Gachagua proposes constituency-level declaration of presidential results to boost transparency

In a bid to curb election malpractice and enhance transparency, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for a major shift in how presidential election results are declared, proposing that tallying and announcements be done at the constituency level rather than at the national tallying centre in Bomas of Kenya.

Speaking during an interview, Gachagua argued that delays in announcing presidential results at the national level have in the past created opportunities for manipulation. He said decentralising the process would ensure a more transparent and credible election outcome.

“Once the results are announced at the constituency, that should be final. Everyone, including the media, can tally them and declare the winner,” he told KTN News on Sunday.

The former Deputy President noted that result tampering was more difficult at the grassroots level compared to the national tallying centre, which he said has remained a source of controversy since the 2007 General Election.

“It is not easy to tamper with results from 290 constituencies, but the national tallying centre has been a problem for years,” he added.

Gachagua further proposed that the tallying of presidential results be devolved to enhance accountability and quicken the release of results.

“Let there be 290 returning officers for the presidential election so that no one can interfere with those individuals, instead of having one officer at Bomas. If we tally the presidential votes first, it’s possible to have the results by morning. That would reduce anxiety and eliminate opportunities for manipulation,” he said.

Turning to the 2027 General Election, Gachagua predicted a two-horse race between President William Ruto and a candidate from what he termed the “United Opposition.”

“If anyone breaks away from the united opposition to form a third force, Kenyans will reject it. In 2027, whoever the opposition unites behind will become Kenya’s sixth President. It will be the one-term movement against President Ruto,” he said.

Addressing speculation about divisions within the opposition, Gachagua dismissed claims of personal differences with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, instead accusing President Ruto of trying to sow discord within their ranks.

“There are no differences between me and Dr Matiang’i. What we are seeing is an attempt by President Ruto to infiltrate the opposition and cause division,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has urged Kenyan youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 polls, saying their participation will determine the country’s future leadership.

He, however, cautioned young people against being drawn into premature political campaigns, saying elections are still two years away and that leaders should focus on development.

“We will be elected based on the work we will have done. No one will be elected based on how they look, their faith or the community they come from,” the President said during a Sunday service at St Mary’s African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Kathelwa in Igembe Central, Meru County.

He criticised his opponents for engaging in rhetoric instead of offering solutions, saying Kenya had lagged behind due to leaders who focus on divisive politics.

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“When you listen to them, they do not speak about development. Our country has been left behind because of leaders who have specialised in empty rhetoric,” he said.

The Head of State urged Kenyans to reject tribal and divisive politics and instead support leaders committed to national progress.

He said his administration had laid a strong foundation for Kenya’s transformation, citing key projects such as the Infrastructure Fund that will enable the country to build 30 mega dams and generate at least 10,000 megawatts of energy through wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear sources.

On healthcare, Ruto encouraged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access free outpatient services in public, private, and faith-based health facilities.

“If you are seeking outpatient services and someone asks you for money, tell them the government has already paid for the services and call the police,” he said.

In Meru County, the President announced that the government had finalised a Sh7 billion contract for the construction of Nithi Bridge and allocated Sh2 billion to connect 26,000 households to electricity. He added that Sh11 billion was being used to fund affordable housing projects, fresh produce markets, and hostels for college students, with an additional Sh12 billion set aside for similar initiatives.

“Apart from building affordable housing and 17 modern markets, we are also putting up hostels for 6,000 students in Meru County,” he said.

He also disclosed plans to upgrade the Meru County Referral Hospital to Level 6 at a cost of Sh1 billion to provide advanced medical care locally.

“We want to ensure residents do not travel to Nairobi in search of quality treatment; it will be available locally,” he said.