NAIROBI, Kenya – Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticized President William Ruto’s recent nominations for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alleging that the President’s actions are a deliberate attempt to rig future elections, including upcoming by-elections.
Musyoka, who voiced his concerns on X, accused the President of sidelining the principle of consultation and concurrence in the selection process, a key aspect of building trust in electoral bodies.
In a post on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Kalonzo stated, “We are extremely concerned that Mr. Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence in his recommendations for the Chairman and Members of @IEBCKenya.”
He went on to argue that the failure to ensure a transparent and inclusive process in the nominations has, in his view, undermined the credibility of the IEBC, resulting in a “low-trust institution.”
Kalonzo’s statement comes in response to the President’s announcement of Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the IEBC, alongside six other nominees for the commission’s membership.
The nominations follow a months-long recruitment process conducted by a selection panel.
According to Kalonzo, this decision is not just a matter of oversight but part of a broader political strategy aimed at securing favorable outcomes in future elections.
“It is now evident that the intention is to rig not only the next election but also the upcoming by-elections,” he declared.
We are extremely concerned that Mr. Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence in his recommendations of the Chairman and Members of the @IEBCKenya.This action has automatically created a low-trust institution.As we had stated in prior
The opposition leader warned that this move could have long-term consequences for Kenya’s electoral system and democracy.
The President’s nominees, including Erastus Ethekon, who has been selected as IEBC Chairperson, and the six nominated commissioners, have been forwarded to Parliament for vetting and approval.
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The new leadership is expected to fill the void left by the previous commission, which has been operating without a full panel since the terms of former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu ended in January 2023.
Kalonzo’s criticism aligns with the broader discontent within opposition ranks regarding the process of reconstituting the electoral commission.
The appointment of the new IEBC Chairperson and commissioners comes at a critical juncture, as the country gears up for future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
Kalonzo has promised a more detailed response in a comprehensive statement from the opposition on May 12, 2025, where they will outline their concerns and next steps.
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