A fresh political storm is brewing in Kenya as opposition leaders accuse President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga of colluding to manipulate the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to serve their political interests.
The accusations were made by key opposition figures, who claim that the bipartisan talks initiated between the Kenya Kwanza administration and Azimio la Umoja have been turned into a scheme to influence the selection of new IEBC commissioners in favor of the two leaders’ political agendas.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, and other opposition leaders criticized the ongoing process, arguing that it lacks transparency and is designed to benefit Ruto and Raila ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The IEBC is supposed to be an independent institution, but what we are seeing is a deliberate effort to ensure that the commissioners who come in are loyal to specific political factions. This is unacceptable,” said Kalonzo.
Martha Karua echoed the sentiments, warning that if the process is not handled fairly, the country could be headed for another electoral crisis. “We have seen what happens when electoral bodies are compromised. Kenya deserves free, fair, and credible elections,” she said.
The opposition leaders are now demanding a more inclusive and impartial process in the selection of new IEBC commissioners. They are calling for the involvement of civil society groups, religious organizations, and other neutral stakeholders to oversee the exercise.
However, government officials have dismissed the allegations, insisting that the process is being conducted in accordance with the law. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the bipartisan approach, stating that all parties have been represented fairly and that the process should not be politicized.
Political analysts argue that the battle over the IEBC reconstitution underscores the high stakes involved in Kenya’s electoral process. With both Ruto and Raila expected to play a key role in the 2027 elections, control over the electoral body could be a major factor in shaping the political landscape.
As the debate rages on, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether the calls for a more transparent process will be heeded or if the standoff will escalate into another political showdown.
