Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow has ignited a storm of controversy after publicly stating that leaders from the North Eastern region are prepared to rig the 2027 elections in favour of President William Ruto.
“Sisi kama wabunge wa North Eastern, nikiongea kutoka Wajir, sisi maneno yetu ni fupi tu, two terms,” Jehow said during a public address.
“Sisi tunangoja debe iletwe, hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, hata kama hatutakua na votes tutamwibia…hio si siri,” she added, dismissing concerns over the region's relatively low voter turnout.
Her comments have sparked fierce backlash on social media, with many Kenyans questioning the integrity of the country’s electoral process and calling for her censure.
X user @Dukeofsavannah wrote, “We should start by abolishing the Women Rep position and send all these people home.”
Najua hamjaona video pic.twitter.com/mh3HCIPRIO — DONNA MUGOH ?? (@Eddie_Mugoh) July 12, 2025
Another user, @senmongare, said, “Her careless confession that they’ll steal votes for Ruto isn’t boldness; it’s the tragic echo of every tyrant’s apprentice who mistakes rigging for strategy, forgetting that even stolen crowns slip when history reclaims its pen.”
@GithinjiEm48657 added, “Simply said in public, you can only imagine the grand scheme to steal votes... It's a well-orchestrated plan. Everything will go on well until the last minutes... Eyes will open when it's already late.”
Jehow’s remarks come amid heightened political tension, just days after President Ruto made incendiary comments during a tour of an affordable housing project in Nairobi.
Responding to recent demonstrations, the president appeared to give law enforcement the green light to use extreme force.
“Anyone going to burn people's property should be shot in the leg, be hospitalized and later taken to court upon recovery. Do not kill them, but break their leg,” Ruto said.
He also declared that “enough is enough,” insisting he would not allow what he termed as "anarchy" in the guise of peaceful protests.
These comments have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and fellow leaders, who accuse the president and his allies of undermining democratic principles.
Jehow’s statement now adds to growing public concern over the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
