A political storm is brewing over the selection of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair and commissioners, with opposition leaders threatening to reject the process if they are not involved.
Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, the opposition leaders issued a joint statement on Monday, warning that they would not recognize the IEBC team unless they had a say in its appointment. Their stance has sparked concerns across the political divide, with some leaders dismissing their claims as baseless.
The National Liberal Party (NLP), which has roots in Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukambani backyard, has pushed back against the opposition’s assertions. The party leader, Augustus Kyalo Muli, criticized the opposition’s threats, stating that last year, Azimio had successfully pushed for the inclusion of their preferred candidate in the IEBC selection panel to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Muli dismissed claims that the commission would be biased in favor of either President William Ruto or opposition leader Raila Odinga, emphasizing that the selection of IEBC officials should not be subject to political maneuvering. He insisted that the process must remain independent and free from political interference, rather than being dictated by backroom deals among politicians.
With the IEBC selection process underway, tensions continue to rise, with both sides of the political spectrum keen to influence the final outcome. The opposition insists on greater involvement to guarantee fairness, while others argue that political leaders should respect the ongoing process and allow institutions to function independently.
The unfolding dispute raises fresh concerns about the credibility of Kenya’s electoral system ahead of future elections. Observers will be keen to see whether a consensus can be reached to prevent further political divisions over the country’s electoral body.
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