Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has written a letter to President William Ruto and his new-found ally Raila Odinga, demanding inclusion of the Opposition in the formation of the new IEBC.
In the letter seen by TV47 Digital, Kalonzo expressed concerns that if the process of re-constituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues as it is currently, the opposition will be sidelined.
The former vice president bases his argument on the fact that President Ruto’s UDA Party has entered into formal cooperation deal with Raila’s ODM Party, in an MoU signed on March 7, 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
During the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, where Kalonzo was a co-chairperson, both government and opposition — which included ODM Party — committed to establishing a credible electoral commission that will guarantee free, fair, verifiable and credible elections. This, Kalonzo says, was to be achieved through a recruitment process that is open, transparent and accountable.
“A key element in this process is the Principle of Consultation and Concurrence, between representatives of the coalition in Government and those in the Opposition, before the nomination for appointment of the chairperson and commissioners,” Kalonzo says in the letter.
Kalonzo is a worried man
However, Kalonzo is a worried man, given the recent ‘seismic’ change in the political landscape, where UDA and ODM have formed a “government” and entered into informal relations.
“…it is important to clarify who will participate in this critical process of consultation and concurrence.
I firmly believe that UDA and ODM, now aligned on one side, should engage in discussions with those of us in the Opposition to ensure a balanced and inclusive process. This position is informed by the Principles of Checks and Balances, Good Governance, and Sound Public Policy,” Kalonzo’s letter reads in part.
Failure to consult the opposition, Kalonzo says that UDA and ODM will be committing a grievous danger of unilaterally re-constituting the IEBC, thereby undermining public trust and confidence in the new electoral body.
Kalonzo also invoked the 2007/08 Post-Election Violence that broke out after the disputed 2007 Presidential Election, expressing concerns that UDA and ODM unilaterally forming a new election referee is fodder for plunging the country into turmoil.
“I, therefore, demand that the UDA/ODM Alliance engage in meaningful consultation and concurrence with the Opposition to enhance public confidence in the IEBC. This approach aligns with the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the broader ideals of electoral justice. It is also in line with the best practices established by the Inter-Parliamentary Political Group (IPPG) in 1997, which contributed to the credibility of the 2002 elections.”
He also reminded Raila of the 2008 Peace Agreement that ended the skirmishes in the country.
“My brother [Raila], I also wish to remind you of the importance you rightly placed on the principle of consultation during the implementation of the Kofi Annan-brokered Peace Agreement in 2008.
“For avoidance of doubt, should the UDA/ODM Alliance proceed with appointment of the IEBC chairperson and commissioners without the meaningful participation of the Opposition, such an action will be deemed as an attempt to establish a partisan electoral body and pre-rig the next elections.”
IEBC interviews
The IEBC Selection panel has already concluded interviews for persons seeking to be the next chairperson of the electoral commission.
The candidates who were interviewed for the critical position were; former Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, Charles Nyachae, Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Robert Akumu Asembo.
