Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for meaningful consultation between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and the Opposition before appointing the chairperson and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kalonzo, who co-chaired the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) on behalf of the Opposition, emphasized that the recruitment process for a new IEBC must be open, transparent, and accountable. He asserted that a crucial aspect of this process is consultation and concurrence between the government and opposition representatives before any nominations are made.
His remarks follow the recent political realignment that saw UDA and ODM enter into an informal arrangement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on March 7, 2025. The Wiper leader has questioned how this new political development will impact the inclusivity of the IEBC recruitment process.
In a letter addressed to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo stated that UDA and ODM are now politically aligned and should, therefore, engage in discussions with the Opposition to ensure a fair and balanced appointment process. He stressed that ignoring the Opposition in this critical process would amount to a unilateral political move serving the interests of UDA and ODM, potentially undermining public confidence in the IEBC.
Kalonzo warned that proceeding with IEBC appointments without opposition participation could set a dangerous precedent, similar to what led to the disputed 2007 elections and subsequent post-election violence. He cautioned that such a partisan approach would weaken trust in the electoral system, ultimately jeopardizing Kenya’s democratic integrity.
Reaffirming the Opposition’s commitment to safeguarding democratic principles, Kalonzo insisted that UDA and ODM must engage in meaningful consultations with the Opposition. He referenced the Inter-Parliamentary Political Group (IPPG) agreement of 1997, which played a key role in ensuring the credibility of the 2002 elections, as a model for an inclusive electoral process.
The Wiper leader vowed to oppose any move that undermines electoral justice, reaffirming the Opposition’s resolve to protect the sovereign will of the Kenyan people.
