NAIROBI, Kenya — The battle lines within Azimio La Umoja are hardening, and at the center of it all? The reconstitution of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is calling out Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing him of stalling the process and trying to disrupt much-needed electoral reforms.
The tensions flared after Kalonzo penned a letter to President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, warning against what he termed as “skewed appointments” to the IEBC.
His plea? Urgent consultations to prevent the creation of a “partisan electoral body.” But ODM isn’t buying it.
BREAKING NEWS: ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna tells Kalonzo Musyoka and his layabouts to find constructive things to do, because Kenyans are tired of being dragged into their games aimed at postponing the reconstitution of the IEBC. Someone tell the driver to alight me here.
The Blame Game: ODM Hits Back
At a press briefing on Wednesday, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna dismissed Wiper’s concerns as political maneuvering designed to discredit the IEBC selection process.
He insisted that the reconstitution is proceeding exactly as outlined in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which Kalonzo himself helped craft.
“The process is being conducted in full accordance with NADCO recommendations,” Sifuna stated. “The delay was, in fact, caused by Wiper’s failure to nominate a representative to the selection panel.”
He further pointed out that ODM had supported Wiper’s nominee, Koki Muli, who has actively participated in every stage, from shortlisting candidates to conducting interviews.
Kalonzo’s Warning: Is ODM in Bed with UDA?
In his letter, Kalonzo raised the alarm over an alleged UDA-ODM alliance, claiming that if the government proceeds with IEBC appointments without meaningful opposition participation, it would amount to pre-rigging the next elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, should the UDA/ODM Alliance proceed with the appointment of the IEBC Chairperson and commissioners without the meaningful participation of the opposition, such an action will be viewed as an attempt to establish a partisan electoral body,” Kalonzo warned.
But Sifuna wasn’t having it. He shut down the notion that ODM is working with the ruling party, emphasizing, “ODM is not in government. If we were consulted, I would probably find a very good chairman for the IEBC, but that is not my job. That is the responsibility of the selection panel.”
An Independent Panel or a Political Tug-of-War?
Sifuna doubled down on the independence of the selection panel, arguing that it includes representatives from political parties, religious organizations, and professional bodies—ensuring a fair process.
“The panel should be allowed to carry out its work without political or external interference,” he asserted. “For anyone to demand consultation when they already have representation on the panel is disingenuous.”
As tensions mount, the fate of the IEBC selection process remains uncertain.
Will Kalonzo’s push for consultations gain traction, or will ODM’s confidence in the panel’s independence win out? For now, the political drama continues to unfold.
