NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the government to fast-track the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that delays could jeopardize Kenya’s democratic integrity.
Speaking at a multi-sectoral forum on artificial intelligence in elections, Kalonzo described the matter as a national priority that cannot afford to be sidelined.
“The reconstitution of the IEBC should not be delayed any further.
This is critical for the country’s democratic integrity,” Kalonzo said, accusing unnamed state actors of potentially exploiting the delay to advance “narrow and selfish interests” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalonzo also stressed the need for transparency in the adoption of technology in elections, urging the IEBC to focus on educating voters about digital tools.
“IEBC must conduct thorough voter education on any technology it intends to use, including digital platforms, to ensure transparency and public confidence,” he noted.
His sentiments were echoed by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Gosney, who underscored the importance of a fully functional electoral body to uphold governance and democracy in Kenya.
The Wiper leader also criticized proposed Senate amendments that could halt live streaming of election results, warning such changes would erode trust in the electoral process.
“Any attempt to block live results streaming would take us back to an era of opacity and undermine public confidence in elections,” Kalonzo said.
The forum, attended by key government officials and stakeholders, explored the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance electoral processes.
Speaking at a multi-sectoral forum on artificial intelligence in elections, Kalonzo described the matter as a national priority that cannot afford to be sidelined.
“The reconstitution of the IEBC should not be delayed any further.
This is critical for the country’s democratic integrity,” Kalonzo said, accusing unnamed state actors of potentially exploiting the delay to advance “narrow and selfish interests” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalonzo also stressed the need for transparency in the adoption of technology in elections, urging the IEBC to focus on educating voters about digital tools.
“IEBC must conduct thorough voter education on any technology it intends to use, including digital platforms, to ensure transparency and public confidence,” he noted.
His sentiments were echoed by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Gosney, who underscored the importance of a fully functional electoral body to uphold governance and democracy in Kenya.
The Wiper leader also criticized proposed Senate amendments that could halt live streaming of election results, warning such changes would erode trust in the electoral process.
“Any attempt to block live results streaming would take us back to an era of opacity and undermine public confidence in elections,” Kalonzo said.
The forum, attended by key government officials and stakeholders, explored the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance electoral processes.
