Kenya’s fragile democracy is under fresh scrutiny after Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow declared that leaders from the North Eastern region are prepared to rig the 2027 general election in favour of President William Ruto.
In a rally held in Wajir over the weekend, Jehow stunned Kenyans by boldly stating in Swahili: “Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him. Hiyo si siri (That’s no secret).”
Her words, captured on video, were met with cheers from a section of the crowd — and outrage everywhere else.
The remarks have triggered national condemnation, with civil society groups demanding urgent action from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and law enforcement agencies. Online platforms lit up with fury, with many users calling her comments “a direct attack on democracy.”
“This is no longer just irresponsible talk — this is incitement and an admission to electoral fraud,” tweeted one legal analyst.
Jehow’s comments come at a particularly tense moment for the country.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking just hours before, had rubbished claims that Kenya Kwanza was planning to interfere with future polls.
Now, Jehow’s open admission appears to directly contradict the DP’s position — throwing the ruling coalition into fresh controversy.
The IEBC has yet to issue a response, but legal experts say the remarks could warrant charges under the Elections Offences Act, which prohibits inciting or abetting electoral malpractice.
With Kenya still reeling from disputed past elections and youth-led protests against governance failures, Jehow’s bold confession has struck a raw nerve — and sparked fears that 2027 may already be compromised before it begins.
