NAIROBI, Kenya- Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has held discussions with the French and German ambassadors to Kenya, focusing on violence, the rule of law and the independence of the electoral commission.
Kalonzo said he hosted French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and German Ambassador Sebastian Groth at his residence on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for what he described as an “open and direct” conversation on the state of the country.
The former Vice President said the discussions centred on Kenya’s political environment and the violence witnessed in different parts of the country.
“We spoke plainly about where Kenya stands. The violence we continue to witness is a concern to all of us,” Kalonzo said.
He told the two diplomats that continued violence was inconsistent with the Kenya the country should be building, stressing the importance of peace and adherence to the rule of law.
“Peace and the rule of law are not things we can afford to negotiate on,” he said.
Kalonzo Raises IEBC Independence
A significant part of the engagement focused on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with Kalonzo stressing the need for the electoral body to operate independently.
He argued that public confidence in elections depends on the commission being independent not only in law but also in practice.
“If Kenyans are to have confidence in their elections, the Commission has to be independent in practice, not just on paper,” Kalonzo said.
According to the Wiper leader, electoral credibility remains fundamental to Kenya’s democratic process and should therefore remain part of the national conversation.
He said discussions on the independence of the IEBC should be conducted openly and without fear.
Discuss Kenya’s Relations With Europe
Kalonzo also said the meeting touched on Kenya’s longstanding relations with France and Germany.
He described the two countries as longstanding friends of Kenya and said their engagement with the country remains important at a time when Kenya is confronting difficult political and democratic questions.
“Democracy is not sustained by one country alone,” Kalonzo said, adding that democratic systems also require international partners willing to engage honestly, including when discussions are difficult.
The meeting comes amid heightened political debate in Kenya over governance, electoral reforms, political violence and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo thanked the two ambassadors for visiting his residence and participating in what he described as an honest and direct conversation.
“These are the discussions Kenya needs right now,” he said.
The engagement with the European diplomats comes as opposition leaders continue to push for stronger electoral safeguards and greater independence of institutions ahead of the next General Election.
