IEBC condemns MP Jehow’s vote-rigging remarks amid national outcry

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Kenya’s electoral commission has condemned remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who told a rally that she would help President Mr William Ruto win re-election — even if it meant stealing votes.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) described her comments as “unacceptable and reckless,” warning they damage public trust in democratic institutions.

“The Commission urges all Kenyans to ignore or disassociate with such remarks,” said IEBC. “Kenya is not in a campaign period, and no elections have been declared or gazetted.”

Ms Jehow made the remarks last Friday during a Kenya Kwanza women’s event in Eldas, Wajir County.

Addressing the crowd in Swahili, she said, “Sisi hatutakubali Ruto ashindwe. Ata kama ni kuiba kura, tutaiba.”
(We will not allow Mr Ruto to lose. Even if it means stealing votes, we will steal them.)

Her remarks triggered outrage nationwide, with opposition leaders and civil society groups demanding investigations and possible disciplinary action.

Ms Martha Karua, leader of the Public Leadership Party (PLP), called the comments a betrayal of public office.

“This is not just careless talk. It’s a shameful endorsement of electoral fraud,” Ms Karua said. “Ms Jehow must resign or be sanctioned.”

Mr Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), added:

“This is a confession. The IEBC and EACC cannot afford to ignore it.”

The IEBC clarified that while it remains fully constituted, its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee only operates during declared election periods, as outlined in the 2022 Sabina Chege ruling.

On social media, criticism of Ms Jehow was swift. Activist Mr Boniface Mwangi posted:

“A woman MP says she’ll steal votes — and gets applause. A poor boy steals mangoes — and gets jailed. This is the Kenya we live in.”

The hashtag #JehowMustGo trended throughout the weekend, with users calling for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and DPP to investigate her conduct.

While UDA, the ruling party, has yet to issue a formal statement, a senior party official, speaking anonymously, told AVDelta News, “Ms Jehow’s comments are personal and reckless. They do not reflect the position or principles of UDA.”

The IEBC concluded its statement by reaffirming its independence and commitment to credible elections.

“We shall continue safeguarding our mandate and promoting democratic values in line with the Constitution.”

Ms Jehow’s remarks have revived comparisons to past political controversies.

In 2017, Mr Suleiman Shahbal, then a Jubilee politician, was filmed at a rally in Mombasa saying:

“Uchaguzi wa 2017 tutashinda, tutashinda kwa nguvu, tutanunua, tutaiba — whatever will be.”

(We will win the 2017 election by force, by buying, by stealing — whatever it takes.)

Mr Shahbal’s remarks sparked public outrage and prompted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to order a probe for potential incitement.