Opposition leaders have continued to reject the outcome of the IEBC selection panel’s decision, alleging that it is aimed at rigging the 2027 general elections.
In a statement jointly signed by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, among other opposition leaders, they claimed that the newly nominated IEBC officials were handpicked to serve President Ruto’s 2027 re-election ambitions.
“This is not a commission for the people. It is a project to rig the next general elections in broad daylight, with the silent approval of his newfound ally, Hon. Raila Odinga,” the leaders said, claiming that the ODM party leader was also involved.
They, however, vowed to mobilize people in a bid to subvert “Ruto’s ill plans.” The opposition leaders hinted at forming another counter-electoral body to act as Kenyans’ watchdog, promote transparency, and hold the official commission accountable during the 2027 polls.
“We will not sit back and watch the subversion of democracy. We are taking immediate steps to establish a People’s IEBC — a citizen-led watchdog that will mirror the official commission and hold it to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and constitutionalism as envisioned in Article 10 on national values and the principles of good governance,” the statement read in part.
The leaders also raised issues with the choice of members in the selection panel. They alleged that the panel consisted of people loyal to the Head of State. At the same time, the leaders demanded that President Ruto make public the full report presented to him by the IEBC selection panel.
“We demand the immediate and full publication of the Selection Panel’s exit report and all Hansard records so the public can scrutinize the criteria the selection panel used to recommend the six nominees of the commission.”
On May 8, President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon to serve as Kenya’s chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). If approved by the National Assembly, Ethekon will succeed the late Wafula Chebukati, who served from 2017 to 2023.
Ruto also nominated Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as members of the commission.
