Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi has thrown the nation into a political storm after boldly declaring that North Eastern leaders are ready to rig the 2027 General Election in favor of President William Ruto if they don’t have the numbers.
Speaking during a charged public address in Wajir, Fatuma passionately reaffirmed her support for the Head of State — but it was her exact words that lit the country ablaze:
“Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern, nikiongea kutoka Wajir, maneno yetu kwa His Excellency the President ni mafupi sana — ni two terms ama kuna maneno mengine? Sisi tunangoja debe iletwe. Hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, tutamuibia! Si siri!”
The phrase “tutamuibia” — Swahili for “we’ll rig for him” — has since gone viral and drawn intense backlash, with many interpreting it as a direct threat to Kenya’s democratic process.
Public Outcry and Political Fallout
The reaction was swift and fierce. Opposition leaders have accused the Woman Rep of glorifying electoral fraud and undermining public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“This is an outright admission of intent to interfere with the 2027 elections,” said one senior Azimio MP. “The NCIC and IEBC must not let this pass unchecked.”
Civil society groups and legal experts are also demanding accountability, warning that such public declarations — whether figurative or not — set a dangerous precedent.
Defenders Say It’s Just Rhetoric
On the other hand, Fatuma’s allies insist her words were simply a metaphor — a dramatic way of pledging unwavering support to the president.
“She meant they will work hard to deliver the win,” said a UDA regional youth leader. “It’s political language — don’t take it literally.”
As President Ruto’s allies continue to push the “two-term” message, Fatuma’s statement has become a symbol of just how aggressive early campaigns have become — and how far some leaders are willing to go to express loyalty.
With just two years to the general election, the heat is already rising — and Fatuma Abdi’s “we will rig for Ruto” line may go down as one of the most controversial soundbites of the pre-campaign season.
