The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his unsubstantiated attacks on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In an official statement released on Thursday, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli cautioned Gachagua against engaging in a “proof by assertion fallacy” regarding the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS). The trade unionist warned that leveling unverified allegations against the electoral body threatens to destabilize 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) stated.
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Constitutional Independence and Legal Channels
The union expressed serious concern that Gachagua’s public statements could serve to lay the political groundwork to reject the 2027 election results in advance. Citing Article 249(2) of the Constitution, COTU reminded him that the IEBC functions as an independent constitutional commission, meaning no single politician or public figure holds the authority to dictate how the agency handles its duties.
COTU maintained that anyone with legitimate procurement grievances must utilize established legal frameworks, state institutions, and formal procedures rather than airing unverified claims in public.
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Questions Surrounding Alternative Vendor Endorsement
The union also pointed out a clear contradiction in Gachagua’s criticism. While the DCP leader accused the IEBC of designing its tender criteria to favor a specific firm, he simultaneously advocated for Smartmatic as the preferred alternative technology provider.
“Gachagua must explain to Kenyans why he himself appears to be prescribing another private company as his preferred election technology provider,” the statement read, demanding that he disclose the basis for suggesting Smartmatic should be retained by the IEBC.
Closing the press release, COTU highlighted that electoral tension and tribal strife inflict severe damage on workers, women, and children. The union urged Gachagua and all political leaders to maintain restraint as the country navigates the run-up to the 2027 polls.
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