United Opposition issues demands in parallel State of the Nation address
By Faith Lagat, November 20, 2025As President William Ruto delivered the official State of the Nation Address in Parliament, the United Opposition, led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, presented a parallel address focusing on electoral reforms and the integrity of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Taking to his X, Kalonzo described the current moment as one in which citizens “rise, cast aside fear, and refuse to remain silent.” He highlighted the role of ordinary Kenyans, especially the youth, in asserting their rights and holding leaders accountable.
Focus on IEBC integrity
Kalonzo shifted the address to the issue of electoral integrity, emphasising the need for accountability, transparency, and dignity in leadership. He raised concerns over the appointment of new IEBC commissioners, stating that the process “skipped the spirit of consultation and concurrence that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) stood for”, leaving questions about political influence over the commission.
“This afternoon, we turn the nation’s, indeed our region’s and partners’, focus to the integrity of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). For many years, the IEBC has struggled to earn the trust of Kenyans. This matters deeply because in any democracy, the people must have faith that their votes count and that the institutions protecting that vote are beyond reproach, read the X post.
He urged the IEBC to act decisively to restore public trust, stating that the commission must demonstrate independence through transparent operations and inclusive voter registration processes. According to Kalonzo, public confidence in the electoral body is crucial to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
“We had hoped the new commissioners would take office with a single-minded determination to restore IEBC’s credibility. But so far, the signs are not as reassuring as Kenyans deserve. It is time for the Commission to step up, for the sake of our democracy, our stability, and the faith of every voter.”
Tribute to youth movements
Kalonzo paid tribute to the 2024 Gen Z protests, calling them “a peaceful movement born of desperation… guided by principle and moral clarity rooted in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.”
He acknowledged the youth for mobilising through streets and digital platforms, carrying the national flag, and protesting against corruption, mismanagement, and social injustices.
The opposition leader cited several grievances that fuelled the protests, including opposition to the Rutopreneurship approach, the SHA/SHIF mismanagement affecting healthcare access, the housing levy described as a “slush fund”, and the replacement of Vision 2030 with what he termed “bottom-up Rutoism”.
He noted that these issues reflected widespread dissatisfaction among Kenyans from various regions.