Fatuma Abdi Jehow, the Wajir County Women Representative, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a bold claim that “we will rig the election for William Ruto in 2027, and it’s not even a secret.”
The statement, made during a public event in Wajir on July 11, 2025, and widely shared on social media, has drawn sharp criticism and raised serious concerns about Kenya’s electoral integrity.
The remarks come as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), newly reconstituted under Erastus Edung Ethekon, prepares for the 2027 Kenya elections, intensifying fears of electoral fraud in Kenya.
Jehow, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member who won her seat in 2022 with 36,064 votes, defeating Fatuma Gedi, made the provocative comment while rallying support for Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
Netizens quote her saying, “Sisi tunasema TUTAM, hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, sisi tutamuibia hiyo si siri,” suggesting a blatant plan to manipulate the 2027 general election.
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) July 12, 2025
Her remarks, which some interpret as hyperbole to energise supporters, have fuelled accusations of undermining Kenya’s democratic process.
The Fatuma Jehow election rigging claim has drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua, who is rallying an opposition coalition in 2027 against Ruto.
Speaking in Seattle, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s electoral chances, predicting a “70%+1” opposition victory.
Critics argue Jehow’s statement echoes sentiments from Ruto allies like Oscar Sudi, who previously suggested adding votes to ensure Ruto’s win, raising fears of a contested 2027 election.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and Amnesty International Kenya have called for investigations into electoral misconduct allegations, urging the IEBC to reinforce transparency measures recommended by the EU Election Follow-Up Mission 2025.
Jehow’s background as a governance and ethics master’s holder and former ICT officer at the National Bank of Kenya, per her Wikipedia profile, contrasts with the controversy, raising questions about her intent.
Supporters claim she was emphasising regional loyalty to Ruto, particularly in North Eastern Kenya politics, where he has gained ground.
However, her remarks risk alienating voters already doubtful after the Saba Saba protests in 2025 and Kenya’s political tensions.
As the 2027 election preparations intensify, Jehow’s claim could erode trust in the IEBC’s new leadership in 2025 and fuel demands for Kenya’s electoral reforms.
The Law Society of Kenya has urged citizens to report such statements to authorities, emphasising the need to protect free and fair elections in Kenya.
