We will not be arm-twisted, opposition leaders say on IEBC chair nominee

Kenyan opposition leaders have vowed to reject the nomination of a  new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson if they are excluded from the selection process.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Leader Eugene Wamalwa, and People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua accused the government of unilateral decision-making, warning of legal and political action if their concerns are ignored.

Musyoka noted the need for an inclusive process, warning that any unilateral appointments would lack legitimacy.

“We will not wait for the government to dictate the names of the chair and commissioners of IEBC. We are ready to take any step necessary to ensure fairness. We will reject them on arrival,” said Musyoka.

“This is a matter of national interest, and all stakeholders must be involved. If this process is not impartial, the world will see it as Ruto’s commission, and we will not accept it.”

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He called for transparency in the vetting process, cautioning against a repeat of past election disputes.

“Kenyans still remember what happened in the last election, the bitterness that must be rectified. This time, we are not leaving anything to chance,” he added.

With the IEBC selection process now under scrutiny, the opposition leaders insist they will not be sidelined, setting the stage for a political and legal battle if their demands are not met.

Wamalwa urged the government to honor the bipartisan agreement under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

“The NADCO report was clear—both sides must be involved in the IEBC selection. “For now, Raila has joined the government with his ODM Party. We are not part of that arrangement, and we will not allow them to sit at the State House and dictate the list of commissioners. If we are left out, we will reject the nominations and challenge them legally,” he stated.

He warned of possible legal action if the opposition is excluded.

“If there is a violation of the principle of consultation established through NADCO, we are ready to fight both politically and legally,” he said.

Karua echoed his sentiments, insisting that any IEBC appointments made without opposition input would be unacceptable.

“Any appointment of the IEBC chairperson or commissioners without consulting the opposition is totally unacceptable. We will take whatever action necessary, both legal and political,” said Karua.

She also accused President Ruto’s administration of early electioneering and misusing state resources.

“Ruto launched an early campaign in Nairobi, accompanied by UDA and ODM officials, featuring marauding gangs who engaged in robberies and attacks on innocent Kenyans under police protection. The police did nothing. He is also using state resources to mobilise crowds and stage paid rallies,” she claimed.