KAIKAI'S KICKER: Rigging - The real test for IEBC in 2027

Without a doubt, ladies and gentlemen, your in-tray is full with pending assignments that include over 20 by-elections around the country.

No doubt there is so much in your hands even this very minute. But, lose not, sight of the one main ball in the air – the 2027 election.

My take is, that is your make-or-break moment – it is the sole, ultimate agenda item. Everything else, believe it or not, is secondary. Yet, commissioners, your assignment in 2027 is very simple – very simple!

I call it simple because, it will come down to proving either right or wrong a few people.

Now, commissioners, be under no illusion or doubt – these speakers mean business. And for their bold remarks, Kenyans actually owe the Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow and the MP for Kapseret Oscar Sudi a debt of gratitude for their blunt pronouncements.

Integrity of elections in Kenya is something of a taboo topic and we must appreciate when a few like Sudi and Fatuma Jehow step forward with such stunning declarations.

Meddling with elections and election outcomes in Kenya is a real sport complete with its many unsung heroes. In the late 80’s it was the notorious provincial administration that decided who wins an election as Member of Parliament or Ward Counsellor.

As for the presidency in those days, another straight-shooter offered some real important insights…

William Kamket, MP Tiaty: “We know how to manufacture presidents for 24 years…”

Manufacture. Talk of a production perspective to election results. Now, ladies and gentlemen of the IEBC, it is that real and you had better take the three speakers seriously because they mean business.

You see, our election history, is packed with precedents that back their statements and shall I say, their cause? Sample this; out of the last five presidential elections, only one was above board – that is the 2002 elections.

In 2007, without the kind of prior warning from the Oscars, Fatumas or Kamkets, a Kibaki ‘wantam’ was manually averted in one of the most untidy civilian coups in the history of Kenyan politics.

Yes, I know Kenyans are more diplomatic than that when talking about 2007 elections but the reality is the election outcome was decided by people other than voters.

So, yes it is possible to jaza, ibia or manufacture elections. It has been done before, and from the three speakers, you’ve got the promise that it can be done – yote yawezekana.

Ok. 2013 election? The 50 plus one rule came to play. Did any of the 8 presidential candidates actually garner the 50+1 purely out of the voting booth? I am just asking.

2017 election… the Supreme Court caught them red-handed! The repeat election? Don’t be funny.

And the 2022 election? … let’s shelve that one for now commissioners, yaliyo ndwele sipite, you’ve been told about 2027. That is my kicker.