Opposition Leaders Raise Alarm Over IEBC Appointments

Prominent opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP), and Eugene Wamalwa have issued a strong warning that they will reject the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair if they are excluded from the appointment process.

The leaders have accused the Kenya Kwanza government of attempting to control the electoral body to manipulate future elections through what they describe as a compromised recruitment process.

“We can go as far as saying he (President Ruto) is trying to recruit a William Ruto Commission instead of an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. This nefarious exercise we believe is intended to manipulate or rig the next general election,” the leaders stated in a joint press release.

Controversial Shortlisting of Candidates

The opposition coalition has raised serious concerns about the qualifications and political affiliations of some shortlisted candidates:

Questionable Appointments

• Joy Mdivo: Current chairperson of UDA’s internal dispute resolution committee, allegedly violating constitutional requirements that bar recent political party officials from IEBC appointments
• Katwa Kigen: President Ruto’s personal advocate, whose appointment could create conflict of interest issues regarding client confidentiality

The Constitution explicitly states in Article 88(2A) that commission members must not have held political party positions in the preceding five years – a requirement the opposition claims is being violated.

Demands for Transparent Process

The opposition leaders are demanding:

1. Full explanation of how allegedly ineligible candidates were shortlisted
2. Disclosure of any National Intelligence Service (NIS) involvement in the selection process
3. Meaningful consultation with opposition leadership before final appointments

“We challenge the IEBC selection panel to categorically explain how Ms Mdivo and Katwa Kigen were shortlisted,” the statement read, questioning the independence of the entire recruitment exercise.

Political Implications

This confrontation comes at a sensitive time in Kenyan politics, with:

• The next general election approaching
• ODM’s recent cooperation with government raising questions about opposition unity
• Growing public concern about electoral integrity

The Peoples Loyal Coalition has framed this as part of a broader pattern of attempts to undermine democratic institutions, warning that Kenyans will reject any election conducted by what they call a “compromised” IEBC.