SK Macharia Alleges Election Rigging, Says Raila Won Four Presidential Races

Samuel Kamau Macharia, a prominent ally of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has ignited debate over the integrity of Kenya's electoral process.

He demands a complete overhaul of the national voter register. The call comes amidst a backdrop of shifting political alliances, most notably Odinga's recent accord with President William Ruto. Samuel Kamau Macharia, a media magnate and long-time Odinga supporter, voiced his concerns during a funeral service for retired Air Force pilot Colonel James Gitahi, attended by a diverse array of Kenyan political figures. Macharia alleged widespread irregularities in past elections, particularly the contested 2022 presidential race, claiming Odinga had been the legitimate victor in the last four election cycles.

“In the 2022 General Election, we went to Naivasha to strategise for Raila’s candidacy. At Naivasha, I tried to explain that the voter register to be used was fraudulent, but Raila was impatient. He had faith in the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta and cut me short. The four commissioners who were later dismissed came to my house, and I showed them how the voter register was manipulated. That, along with the issue of Chris Msando, is how the votes were rigged,” said Mr Macharia

He further stated he had unsuccessfully attempted to raise concerns with Raila and then-President Uhuru Kenyatta prior to the 2022 election. The speech referenced historical election controversies, including the murder of IEBC official Chris Msando before the 2017 election and the subsequent divisions within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the 2022 polls.

Macharia alluded to the "Cherera Four"—Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang’aya, Francis Wanderi, and Irene Masit—who publicly disagreed with then-IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Prof Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu over the 2022 election results. The Supreme Court later dismissed Mr. Odinga’s challenge to the election outcome, asserting that internal divisions within the IEBC did not compromise the vote count or the final declaration.
Speaking passionately and rebuffing attempts by his wife to interject, Mr. Macharia declared his readiness for any potential repercussions. He urged President Ruto to prioritize electoral reform to ensure future elections reflect the will of the people.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, present at the event, voiced agreement with Mr. Macharia, stating that the 2002 election of President Kibaki was the only genuinely free and fair election since the introduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya. Raila further defended his decision to collaborate with President Ruto, his former political rival, citing the urgent need for national stability and economic progress. He downplayed suggestions of challenging Ruto's presidency or immediately initiating campaigns for the 2027 elections, asserting that addressing the immediate needs of Kenyans is paramount.

“The most important thing is that Kenya is bigger than all of us. Democracy is a process - it is not instant coffee that you brew and drink immediately. There is no point in asking me to contest the 2027 General Election if the country will be in turmoil by then. Kenyans need to live between now and 2027. The cost of living is high, food prices are unbearable, taxation is excessive, and corruption is rampant. That is why we have come together to push for the 10-point agenda,” he said.