Kalonzo calls for opposition involvement in IEBC reforms

Weeks after President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a pact to work together, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the two leaders to include the opposition in the restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement released on Friday, March 28, Kalonzo urged the President and the former PM to engage in meaningful consultations with opposition figures to enhance public trust in the process and promote fairness and inclusivity.

“With the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) now on the same side, it is crucial that they engage with us in the opposition to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach,” he stated.

"This stance is guided by the principles of checks and balances, good governance, and responsible public policy."

Kalonzo further appealed to President Ruto and Raila to reflect on past electoral experiences and prioritize measures that will safeguard the integrity of future elections.

"It is crucial that we commit to processes and actions that will deliver free, fair, verifiable, and credible elections," reads part of the letter.

The former VP emphasized that following the memorandum between UDA and ODM, there is a need to clearly define who will be involved in this crucial consultation process and how it will take place.

He warned that excluding the opposition from these discussions could lead to a repetition of past mistakes, which have previously resulted in disputed elections and even fueled the 2007/08 post-election violence.

"Such an approach would revive a dangerous precedent that contributed to contested elections and the tragic events of 2007/08," he warned.