Kalonzo demands consultations before Ruto appoints IEBC chair

By Newsflash Writer

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6, 2025 – Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has written to President William Ruto demanding consultations with opposition leaders before any appointment is made to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The letter comes on the same day President Ruto officially received the IEBC Selection Panel report from chairperson Nelson Makanda at State House, Nairobi.

The report contains the names of shortlisted nominees for the positions of IEBC chairperson and commissioners, marking a significant milestone in the long-delayed process of reconstituting the electoral body.

In his letter dated May 6, 2025, Kalonzo reminded Ruto that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report requires concurrence between political coalitions before the President exercises his power of appointment.

Kalonzo stressed that IEBC reforms are critical for restoring public trust in Kenya’s electoral system. He cited paragraph 861 of the NADCO report, which recommends that both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition consult and concur before appointments are made.

Opposition insists on bipartisan process

“Any exercise without the opposition… will be an attempt to establish a partisan IEBC,” Kalonzo warned. He cautioned that unilateral appointments by Kenya Kwanza would amount to “usurping the sovereign will of the people of Kenya.”

He emphasized that a credible IEBC must have the backing of both the opposition and ruling party. “It will be in the interest of the people of Kenya that we get an IEBC Commission that has the support of both sides,” the letter reads.

Kalonzo cited the 2007–2008 post-election crisis and the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Political Group (IPPG) in forging electoral reforms, noting that NADCO’s work was aimed at preventing similar instability.

He also noted that ODM leader Raila Odinga has stepped aside from formal opposition leadership, making Wiper and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) the new official opposition voices. As such, Kalonzo argued, President Ruto must consult him and DAP leader Eugene Wamalwa before making IEBC appointments.

The letter was also copied to the leaders of ODM and DAP.

This comes amid concern over the long-delayed reconstitution of the IEBC, which has been without a full commission since the previous team’s term expired. The delay has raised concerns over election preparedness and boundary reviews, with stakeholders warning that failure to form a credible commission could erode public confidence in upcoming polls.

Kalonzo’s demand now pressures Ruto to initiate structured consultations or risk a political standoff. “I anticipate your concurrence with this proposal at the earliest opportunity,” he concluded.