Kalonzo to Ruto & Raila: Ensure inclusive IEBC appointments

By Wanderi Kamau

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to engage in meaningful consultations with the Opposition before appointing new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.

Kalonzo insists that a transparent and inclusive selection process is necessary to uphold electoral integrity and avoid potential political turmoil.

Call for consultation and concurrence

In a letter addressed to President Ruto and Raila, Kalonzo emphasized the importance of learning from Kenya’s electoral history and previous commitments to credible elections.

He referenced the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, which he co-chaired on behalf of the Opposition, where both parties agreed to establish a credible IEBC through an open and accountable recruitment process.

Kalonzo highlighted the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence, which requires both the Government and Opposition to engage in discussions before nominating IEBC commissioners.

However, with UDA and ODM now politically aligned following their March 7, 2025, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), he questioned who would now represent the Opposition in these critical discussions.

Fear of partisan appointments

Kalonzo expressed concerns that UDA and ODM, now operating as a single political unit, could unilaterally appoint IEBC officials, effectively sidelining the Opposition. He warned that such a move would erode public trust in the electoral body, creating conditions similar to those that led to the 2007/08 Post-Election Violence.

“Kenya’s electoral history shows that any unilateral political act that serves partisan interests risks undermining public trust in the IEBC,” Kalonzo stated.

To prevent this, he urged the ruling coalition to engage the Opposition in discussions, arguing that this would uphold checks and balances, good governance, and sound public policy.

A risk to national stability

Kalonzo further warned that excluding the Opposition from the IEBC appointment process could trigger instability ahead of the 2027 General Election. He reminded Ruto and Raila of the lessons from the Kofi Annan-brokered Peace Agreement of 2008, which underscored the importance of consultation in resolving electoral disputes.

“Should the UDA/ODM Alliance proceed with appointing the IEBC chairperson and commissioners without the meaningful participation of the Opposition, it will be deemed an attempt to establish a partisan electoral body and pre-rig the next elections,” Kalonzo cautioned.

Opposition to resist partisan IEBC appointments

The Wiper leader affirmed the Opposition’s commitment to resisting any move that interferes with Kenya’s democratic process. He called for adherence to constitutional principles and historical best practices, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Political Group (IPPG) agreement of 1997, which ensured fair IEBC appointments ahead of the 2002 elections.

Kalonzo’s statement comes amid growing concerns over UDA and ODM’s newfound political partnership, with critics fearing it could lead to a lack of political accountability.

As the country prepares for the next electoral cycle, Kalonzo’s call puts pressure on Ruto and Raila to ensure an impartial IEBC. Whether they will heed his request remains to be seen.