Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of plotting to influence the 2027 general elections through partisan appointments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kalonzo: IEBC Picks Lack Consensus
Speaking on Thursday, May 8, Kalonzo condemned Ruto’s nominations, claiming the President failed to consult key political players—thereby undermining public trust in the electoral commission.
“Ruto ignored the principle of consultation and concurrence in the IEBC appointments. This has resulted in the formation of a low-trust electoral body,” Kalonzo said in a press statement.
He further alleged that the move was a calculated plan to manipulate both the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 polls.
Letter to Ruto Cited NADCO Agreement
Kalonzo referred to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which called for bipartisan consultations in forming the IEBC. He emphasized that the President should have engaged both Kenya Kwanza and opposition parties before settling on nominees.
“Paragraph 861 and 862 of the NADCO report clearly recommended that appointments to IEBC should involve consensus to restore credibility in the commission,” Kalonzo noted in a letter sent to the President on May 6.
ODM’s Shift Leaves Wiper as Main Opposition, Kalonzo Says
Highlighting a shift in Kenya’s political landscape, Kalonzo claimed ODM leader Raila Odinga had effectively joined hands with the ruling administration, leaving Wiper Democratic Movement and DAP-K as the true opposition voices.
“Since ODM has aligned itself with Kenya Kwanza, Wiper and DAP-K are now the remaining opposition parties. We must hold the government accountable,” he stated.
Ruto’s IEBC Nominees
President Ruto on Thursday nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County as the new IEBC chairperson, following the IEBC Selection Panel’s recommendations. He also proposed six individuals for commissioner roles:
- Ann Njeri Nderitu
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah
The list has been submitted to the National Assembly for vetting, with Parliament expected to conclude the approval process within 28 days.
More updates are expected on Monday, May 12, when Kalonzo and opposition leaders are set to issue a comprehensive statement.
