Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with President William Ruto regarding the appointment of the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, he has firmly ruled out any political cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking at the Gospel Outreach Church, Joska Transformation Centre in Nairobi, where he attended the book launch of “Moving Beyond Limitation” by Gladys Muthui, Kalonzo dismissed claims that he was in talks with President Ruto’s camp. He termed such reports as speculative and assured his supporters that his stance remained unchanged.
“People should not panic or claim that Kalonzo has gone to State House,” he said. “If it’s about meeting Ruto to agree on who should be the next IEBC chairperson, then I am ready for that meeting.”
Kalonzo also reaffirmed his commitment to his 2027 presidential bid, urging Kenyans to make informed choices in the next general election. He reiterated his belief that the only other meeting he would have with Ruto would be during a transition of power.
“The next time I meet Ruto will be when he is handing over power, just like Uhuru did,” he stated.
His remarks come amid efforts to strengthen his political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. He has recently been engaging with key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a bid to consolidate support. Additionally, Kalonzo criticized ODM leader Raila Odinga for signing a cooperation agreement with President Ruto, labeling it as an act of betrayal.
Meanwhile, the IEBC selection panel is set to commence interviews for the chairperson and commissioner positions on March 17. According to a notice from the panel, oral interviews will take place from March 24 to March 26 at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.
The candidates set for interviews include Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi, and Abdulqadir Lorot H. Ramadhan on March 24. The second batch on March 25 includes Erastus Edung Ethekon and Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, while the final batch on March 26 will feature Lillian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa.
