Mudavadi Orders Farouk to Silence Kenya Kwanza Leaders Making Rigging Claims

Prime CS warns against “cheap politics” that damages President Ruto’s reputation ahead of 2027 polls

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a stern directive to President William Ruto’s personal assistant Farouk Kibet, demanding that any Kenya Kwanza leaders who speak about rigging the 2027 election be immediately removed from public platforms.

Speaking at an economic empowerment function in Shinyalu, Kakamega County on Friday, Mudavadi expressed frustration with coalition members who have suggested the ruling party might need to manipulate votes to secure Ruto’s re-election.

“To Farouk and leaders here, if anyone stands on the platform and brings the narrative that they will steal votes for the president, that person should be deplatformed because he’s giving the president a bad name,” Mudavadi declared.

The Prime CS’s comments come in the wake of controversial remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, who told a public meeting on July 12 that North-Eastern MPs would “steal votes” for Ruto if necessary, stating bluntly that “that’s no secret.”

Mudavadi categorically rejected such rhetoric, insisting that Ruto will win the 2027 election through legitimate democratic processes.

“President William Ruto is going to win the 2027 election, and he will win through the democratic process through the popular vote,” he emphasized.

The directive to Kibet, who wields significant influence in managing access to the president and controlling political messaging within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, signals growing concern within the ruling coalition about damage to Ruto’s credibility.

Mudavadi warned that such statements amount to “cheap politics” that undermines the president’s standing before both local and international media. He called on coalition leaders to instead focus on promoting Ruto’s electoral prospects through policy achievements and grassroots support.

The Prime CS also defended the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging politicians to stop casting doubt on the electoral body’s integrity. “IEBC will conduct a free and fair election, and it will not allow stealing,” he stated.

The public rebuke highlights internal tensions within Kenya Kwanza as the 2027 election approaches, with some allies apparently lacking confidence in the president’s ability to secure victory without electoral manipulation. Mudavadi’s intervention appears aimed at restoring discipline within the coalition’s messaging and protecting Ruto’s democratic credentials.