'Explain yourself,' COTU tells Gachagua over Smartmatic push
National
By
David Njaaga
| Aug 27, 2026
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against undermining the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement issued Thursday, August 27, COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli said Gachagua's allegations over the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) risk destabilising the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua alleged Wednesday in Karen, Nairobi, that the IEBC tender process had been predetermined in favour of a South Korean firm, Miru Systems, and pressed the commission to retain its current provider, Smartmatic.
"COTU (K) is particularly concerned that these statements appear capable of laying the political foundation for rejecting the outcome of the 2027 General Election in advance," Atwoli said, noting Gachagua had offered no evidence for the claims.
The union accused Gachagua of contradiction, observing he had criticised the IEBC for allegedly favouring a preferred bidder while simultaneously pushing for Smartmatic himself.
READ MORE
KRA defends move to raise customs benchmark for consolidated cargo
KECOBO dissolves KAMP board, orders CEO suspension
Fisheries Bill: Fisherfolk bet on Senate to stem overfishing
Coffee weekly auction fetches Sh896 million
Why Nanyuki town is overstretched by influx of investors, visitors
How car tyre shingles could help transform roofing style
Political anxiety casts shadow on Kenya's investment outlook
How Kenya's informal workers hold the key to unlocking the housing market
Greek firm eyes Sh194 billion smart-power system for AI-data centres
CS Kagwe: Why Kenya exports rice despite annual deficit of 1m tonnes
"Gachagua must explain to Kenyans why he himself appears to be prescribing another private company as his preferred election technology provider," Atwoli noted.
The Constitution grants the IEBC independence under Article 249(2), Atwoli noted, adding that neither Gachagua nor any other individual has authority to dictate how the commission discharges its functions.
Where genuine procurement concerns exist, the law provides institutions and procedures through which they can be raised and resolved, he said.
COTU-K warned that electoral violence would hurt workers, women and children the most, and called on Gachagua and other political leaders to exercise restraint as the election approaches.
The IEBC advertised the tender on August 11, with bids due September 1.
The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board is currently handling a separate challenge to the process.