Leaders from the Nyanza region have defended the national government and accused opposition figures of plotting to destabilise the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Ruma, Rarieda Sub-County, the politicians called for peace, urged heightened voter registration, and said the region remains supportive of President William Ruto’s administration.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch alleged that some opposition figures were orchestrating political propaganda and violence to undermine the electoral body.
“We have seen a number of people who have started propaganda against IEBC and combining that propaganda in the opposition with violence,” Oketch said. He added that while ODM, as a “united front on democracy”, does not support violence, some opposition members from Nyanza were attempting to “plant violence” and “lie about violence” to set the stage for unrest in 2027.
“Let IEBC be independent, let them play as a referee, and most importantly, don’t stage-manage violence,” he said.
Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello claimed the united opposition had already devised a plan to intimidate and discredit IEBC so that it would be “ill-prepared” to conduct next year’s elections.
He said this would then enable the opposition to lay the groundwork for filing a petition before the Supreme Court shortly after the polls. Okello urged IEBC leadership to remain focused, adding: “For us, it is two terms. President Ruto has done to us more than any other president we have ever seen in this country for the last 60 years.”
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi called for political discipline in Siaya County, dismissing rival political posturing as “theatrics”. He challenged all aspirants to prove their worth by actively mobilising voter registration, saying: “There will be no free lunch. If you want us to support you for any elective position in this county, first and foremost, you must demonstrate that you are contributing actively towards voter registration.”
Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga emphasised civic participation, urging residents across Nyanza to obtain national identity cards and voter credentials. “Support the government by a license—that license is called voting. That means you must have the means and the power to vote,” Oluga said, noting that an ID and voter’s card give citizens the power to “license” a government to continue working for them.
The remarks come amid heightened political tension in Nyanza, including reports of violence at opposition rallies and accusations that some actors are seeking to portray the region as hostile ahead of 2027. Security agencies have separately warned that politicians linked to violence could be flagged to IEBC for possible disqualification.
