Kalonzo alleges plans to rig 2027 polls amid IEBC nomination dispute

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has come out strongly, accusing President William Ruto of plotting to manipulate the 2027 General Election as well as imminent by-elections.

His remarks come in response to Ruto’s move on Thursday, May 8, 2025, where he forwarded names for the positions of chairperson and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the recent IEBC nominations, claiming they have resulted in an institution that lacks public trust.

"As we highlighted in earlier communication, it's now clear that the goal is to rig not just the 2027 General Election but also the upcoming by-elections," he asserted.

He went on to accuse President Ruto of taking a partisan approach, saying, "We are deeply concerned that Mr. Ruto disregarded the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence in nominating the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners."

Kalonzo also noted that the Opposition plans to issue a formal statement on the matter on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with the announcement made by Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

This followed the president’s receipt of the IEBC Selection Panel’s report on Tuesday, May 7, 2025.

Ethekon is set to replace the late Wafula Chebukati, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 63 after a long illness.

Chebukati had been appointed IEBC Chairperson by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, and his six-year term concluded on January 17, 2023.

He succeeded Ahmed Issack Hassan in the top position at the commission.

Ruto has also nominated six individuals to serve as IEBC Commissioners, representing different regions.

Among the nominees are Ann Nderitu, the Registrar of Political Parties from Nyandarua, and Moses Alutalala Mukhwana from Kakamega.

The other nominated commissioners include Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu), and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).

In a statement, Felix Koskei announced, "In accordance with our supreme law, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament, in line with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Chapter 7F, Laws of Kenya)."

He further emphasized, "Recognizing the critical role of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a cornerstone institution of our democracy and a key guardian of electoral management, His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritize the consideration of these nominations."