Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed his calls for inclusivity and transparency in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning against a unilateral process led by President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on April 1, 2025, Kalonzo criticized what he described as an attempt to control the electoral body, cautioning that the opposition would not remain silent while a single political faction dictates the process.

“This is a matter of great importance, and we will not just sit back and wait for one side to determine the list of those who will be appointed as chairperson and commissioners of the IEBC,” Kalonzo said.  

The former Vice President emphasized that the opposition is closely monitoring the process to ensure fairness, cautioning that they are prepared to take any necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We are watching very closely. We are not sleeping on this matter. It is an issue that concerns all Kenyans and cannot be controlled by one side alone. If that happens, both Kenyans and the world will see that this is William Ruto’s Commission, and we cannot allow that,” he asserted.  

“We are ready to take any action we deem important, and we will not just wait. I see they have already conducted interviews for those who want to become chairpersons and are now interviewing those who will be commissioners. We are watching very closely. We are not sleeping on this,” he added.

Kalonzo also underscored the need for transparency in the selection process, calling on the IEBC selection panel to make public the candidates’ performance.

“We expect that the panel itself can help Kenyans by stating that so-and-so scored 80 per cent, 70 per cent in the interviews – things like that; transparency. It must be a transparent process so that Kenyans know that when they prepare to go to the upcoming election, they will have confidence that these are not people who can be bought,” Kalonzo added.

He further referenced the disputed 2022 General Election, arguing that unresolved electoral grievances continue to weigh heavily on many Kenyans, particularly those who supported Raila Odinga’s candidacy.

“Remember what happened in 2022, when Martha Karua was Raila’s running mate—Kenyans are still hurting. This time, we must ensure that those grievances are addressed. We are not leaving anything to chance,” Kalonzo stated.  

Open letter to Ruto and Raila

Kalonzo’s statement echoes concerns he had raised in an open letter addressed to President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on March 28, 2025, in which he called for broader consultations in the IEBC reconstitution process.

He emphasized that as the country prepares for the 2027 elections, Ruto and Raila must embrace dialogue between the government and opposition to ensure free, fair, and credible polls.

Citing the recent working framework signed between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Kalonzo questioned the legitimacy of a process led by two parties that are now politically aligned.

“Given the changed political landscape, where the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formed a government and entered into informal relations, including through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in public at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on March 7, 2025, it is important to clarify who will participate in this critical process of consultation and concurrence,” the letter read in part.

Kalonzo insisted that the opposition must be involved to maintain checks and balances, warning that a partisan IEBC would undermine public trust.

“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,” he stated.

He further warned that excluding the opposition from the IEBC reconstitution could set a dangerous precedent similar to past disputes that triggered electoral violence.

Kalonzo made it clear that any attempt to appoint IEBC commissioners without opposition input would be considered an effort to rig the 2027 elections in advance.

“For avoidance of doubt, should the UDA/ODM Alliance proceed with the 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,” he warned.

He reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to resisting any attempt to compromise electoral integrity.

“We remain committed to vigorously opposing any attempt to interfere with or undermine the sovereign will of the Kenyan people. In the best interest of the country and in the spirit of good faith and national conscience. I trust that you will do what is right and necessary for the nation,” Kalonzo wrote.