No one will steal 2027 vote, opposition leaders vow
Leaders allied to the opposition have vowed that no vote will be stolen in the 2027 General Election, declaring that they are putting in place measures to safeguard the integrity of the ballot amid growing public debate over the credibility of the polls.
Speaking during a church service at PCEA Embakasi Parish in Nairobi, Jubilee Party presidential flagbearer Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua sought to calm fears of possible electoral malpractice.
Matiang’i, a former Interior and Education Cabinet Secretary, said Kenyans are more vigilant and politically conscious than ever before, particularly in the aftermath of the Gen Z protests that rocked the country last year.
Drawing from his tenure in government, he maintained that his record in protecting the integrity of national examinations demonstrated his capacity to safeguard elections.
“I guarded exams and there was no cheating; nobody will steal our votes,” he declared, repeating his Swahili assertion that just as he protected exams, the people’s vote would not be stolen.
He accused President William Ruto of misreading the national mood and failing to offer a coherent response to concerns raised by young people.
“Months later, there is no clear and structured response to the issues they raised. Instead, we are seeing abracadabra politics of reshuffling Cabinet members without addressing the real problems facing citizens,” Matiang’i said.
While insisting he was not making a prophecy, he warned that the country was headed in the wrong direction if the government failed to listen to wananchi.
Matiang’i expressed concern over what he described as the growing boldness of citizens willing to brave teargas and bullets to make their voices heard, urging authorities to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation.
Calling for a change in approach, Matiang’i said leadership was about listening. “Sit down and listen to the people. Doing the right thing is simple,” he said.
Gachagua echoed the sentiments, telling supporters that the opposition was well prepared to counter any attempt at manipulation. He claimed the coalition had consolidated support across key regions, expressing confidence that the current administration had been politically cornered.
“We have locked Ukambani and the Coast. We are heading to Kisii and Kuria. Western is intact, Nairobi is locked and Mt Kenya too. Just relax, do not be worried,” he told congregants.
Kalonzo, on his part, questioned recent remarks by President Ruto suggesting he would win the 2027 contest by a margin of two to three million votes. He said such statements raised concerns and underscored the need for vigilance.
The Wiper leader described the political wave sweeping across the country as “revolutionary,” arguing that many Kenyans were determined to effect change through the ballot.
Other leaders present included Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa, who reaffirmed their commitment to a united opposition front.
The opposition’s assurances come amid ongoing public scrutiny of the electoral process. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recently dismissed claims of possible voter register manipulation, stating that its collaboration with state agencies is routine and aimed at verifying identity details and removing deceased persons from the roll.
In a statement dated February 16, 2026, the commission said its data handling processes remain lawful, secure and strictly guided by the Constitution and electoral laws.
