Opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka have claimed President William Ruto hand-picked a partisan IEBC-tailored to serve his 2027 re-election ambitions with the silent approval of his newfound ally Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Tuesday May 13, 2025, the opposition leaders maintained that the new IEBC commission is not for the people.
“What we feared has now come to pass. President William Ruto has handpicked a partisan IEBC-tailored to serve his 2027 re-election ambitions. This is not a commission for the people. It is a project designed to rig the next election in broad daylight, with the silent approval of his newfound ally, Hon. Raila Odinga,” Kalonzo noted in a statement.
In a statement linked to Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mukhisa Kituyi and Fred Matiang’i, they alleged that the IEBC recruitment process was flawed.
According to the opposition leaders the selection panel was a political extension of State House-stuffed with Ruto’s loyalists and backroom advisors.
“The constitutional principles of consultation, public participation, and political neutrality were completely discarded. The result? A compromised commission lacking integrity, legitimacy, and public trust,” read part of the statement.
Kalonzo claimed that they raised concerns and demanded transparency but their pleas were met with deception, blatant manipulation and disregard of the principle of consultation and concurrence.
“The Nominate Commissioner Hassan Noor, a relative of Hon. Junet Mohammed was not on the original shortlist. His inclusion came only after Junet pushed for an extension of the panel’s deadline.
“The shortlisted candidates Joy Midivo, a UDA party official, and Charles Nyachae, a longtime Ruto ally, were dubiously shortlisted despite clear conflicts of interest,” read part of Kalonzo’s statement.
He explained that Dr. Adams Oloo, a member of the selection panel, also serves as President Ruto’s strategic communication advisor, an outright breach of impartiality.
In addition, they also noted that Erastus Edung, the nominee for Chairperson, is a known Ruto loyalist with close ties to State House via Comptroller Josphat Nanok.
Meanwhile, the Wiper leader emphasized that the constitution is clear and Article 88(2) demands that the IEBC be independent, impartial, and free from political influence.
