Opposition leaders demand full disclosure on IEBC appointments
In a statement released on Tuesday, the leaders said the process was marked by secrecy, bias, and state influence.
Opposition leaders have demanded the immediate release of the Selection Panel’s exit report and all Hansard records linked to the appointment of six nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
They say Kenyans must be allowed to see the criteria used to select the new team, which they describe as politically compromised.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the leaders said the process was marked by secrecy, bias, and state influence.
They argue that the panel ignored key constitutional principles, including public participation and neutrality.
Their reaction follows President William Ruto’s nomination of Erastus Edung Ethekon as chairperson of the commission, alongside six others named as members: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
According to the opposition, the appointments are a clear attempt to build an electoral body that will work in favour of Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, allegedly with the backing of Raila Odinga.
"This is not a commission for the people. It is a project designed to rig the next election in broad daylight," the statement reads.
The declaration was signed by key opposition figures, including Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, Torome Saitoti, and Mukhisa Kituyi.
They raised concerns about specific nominees, pointing to Erastus Edung’s links to State House and a troubled record in Turkana County.
They also questioned the late inclusion of Hassan Noor, said to have benefited from political lobbying by Junet Mohammed.
Further issues were flagged over the nominations of Joy Midivo and Charles Nyachae, both linked to the ruling party, and the role of Dr. Adams Oloo, who sat on the panel while also serving as a communications advisor to the president.
"The Constitution demands an independent and impartial commission. What Ruto has created is the very opposite—an extension of his campaign machinery," the opposition said.
In response, the leaders announced plans to create a parallel People’s IEBC, which they say will act as a citizen-led watchdog to hold the official commission accountable.
"We are taking immediate steps to establish a platform that reflects the true spirit of Article 10 on national values and good governance," they said.
They called on the public to remain watchful, warning that the country’s democratic future was at stake.
"This is not just about 2027. It is about the soul of our democracy. Let us unite, resist, and reclaim our country," the statement concluded.
