Leaders decry rising repression, demand role in IEBC appointments

Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto’s government of supporting a wave of extrajudicial killings, illegal land evictions, and increased political repression across the country.

The leaders in a joint statement said recent deadly clashes and the alleged misuse of security forces point to growing impunity and abuse of power.

They referred to a deadly confrontation in Kilgoris, Narok County, where five people were killed during a protest against an alleged land grab involving 6,800 acres.

According to the opposition, the state has not only failed to protect community land but has enabled its forceful acquisition.

"What we are seeing is not just a land dispute. This is a state-facilitated attack on the poor, involving organized syndicates backed by police and a justice system that has turned a blind eye," the statement said.

The statement was signed by Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, and Torome Saitoti.

They accused land cartels of forging documents to take over private land, while security forces are used to silence dissent.

"Organized syndicates, operating with the protection of heavy-handed police forces and a compromised justice system, are fraudulently preparing ownership documents to forcefully and illegally expropriate land from rightful owners," the leaders added.

They said similar patterns of forceful evictions and state violence are being witnessed in Nairobi’s informal settlements, Mavoko in Machakos, and Ndabibi in Nakuru.

The statement described the incidents as violations of the Constitution, especially the sections that safeguard land ownership and community rights.

They also warned that President Ruto’s record on land matters raises concern.

"With Dr Ruto’s checkered past with forceful land displacements, we want to remind him that such acts are crimes against humanity and we are committed to escalate these cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC)," the leaders said.

The opposition accused the government of weaponizing state security forces and undermining oversight institutions.

"Security officers have been turned into agents of repression, violating their duty to serve all Kenyans without political interference," they said, adding that the growing pattern of abductions and killings is proof of deliberate state action.

They referenced a recent BBC documentary, #BloodParliament, which exposed what they called a "killer squad" operating outside the normal chain of command.

"The film confirms that there is a handpicked killer squad from various security agencies who operate outside the command and control structure of the legitimate security institutions."

The leaders said some KDF officers were deployed with “shoot to kill” orders before their deployment was officially authorized.

"The BBC Documentary also unearthed that indeed some KDF officers were deployed with shoot-to-kill orders before the gazettement and authorization of their deployment."

They criticized the silence of state institutions, saying justice agencies have failed to hold any officers accountable.

"We are appalled by the deliberate reluctance of relevant government agencies to investigate and prosecute these atrocities," the statement read.

They called for the formation of an independent commission involving both government and civil society representatives to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

"Kenyans have lost complete trust in the accountability mechanisms and therefore call for an investigative commission that includes state and non-state actors to hold the rogue officers accountable."

Declaring the government a “gangster regime,” the leaders said they will not remain silent as democracy and human rights are rolled back.

“Justice must be served. Accountability must prevail. Kenya must be saved.”

Faults IEBC appointment process

In a related development, the same leaders have demanded that President Ruto consult them before appointing new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.

They said the process should not be left to government insiders alone.

"We again demand before the appointment of IEBC Commissioners, there shall be consultation and concurrence on the final list of appointments of IEBC Commission," they said in the joint statement.

They argued that a credible electoral commission must enjoy public trust and broad political support, warning that failure to do so may trigger a disputed 2027 election.

"A failure to set up a Commission that inspires the confidence of Kenyans and all concerned parties may set the context for rigged elections in 2027, which Kenyans shall not accept.”

The opposition leaders – including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, and Torome Saitoti – said they would not accept a commission imposed without their input.

"The broad-based government cannot purport to consult among themselves, and therefore must consult with the Opposition.”

They criticized the current recruitment process, saying the selection panel did not uphold the highest standards of transparency.

The panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, completed interviews for the IEBC chairperson and commissioner positions between March 26 and April 25.

Among the 11 interviewed for chairperson were Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae. Of the 111 candidates shortlisted for commissioner roles, 106 were interviewed.

According to the law, the selection panel will forward two names for the chairperson and nine for commissioner roles to the President.

Ruto is expected to nominate one chairperson and six commissioners for parliamentary vetting and approval.

However, the opposition insists the process must reflect a national consensus.

"Even at this late hour, the selection panel can vindicate itself by giving a comprehensive exit report and nomination of credible Kenyans as Chairperson and Commissioners of IEBC," it said.

They vowed to reject any electoral body that lacks independence or public confidence, saying they will defend democracy at all costs.

"We will not stand idly by as Kenya is dragged into darkness. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the Constitution, protecting the rights of every Kenyan, and resisting tyranny in all its forms," concluded the statement.