Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Mukhisa Kituyi, Justine Muturi, Mithika Linturi during a meeting in Nairobi today, 29th April 2025. (Denish Ochieng). [DENISH OCHIENG]Opposition leaders led by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now want President William Ruto to consult them before appointing IEBC Commissioners.
In a statement on Tuesday, the leaders said consultations must lead to concurrence on the final list of commissioners.
“We again demand that before the appointment of IEBC Commissioners, there shall be consultation and concurrence on the final list of appointments of the IEBC Commission. The broad-based government cannot purport to consult among themselves, and therefore must consult with the Opposition,” the statement reads.
Other leaders in the outfit include Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi and Torome Saitoti.
They insisted that they would not accept a commission that would not inspire confidence in Kenyans.
“A failure to set up a Commission that inspires the confidence of Kenyans and all concerned parties may set the context for rigged elections in 2027, which Kenyans shall not accept," they said.
"We will not stand idly by as Kenya is dragged into darkness. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the Constitution, protecting the rights of every Kenyan, and resisting tyranny in all its forms.”
The Opposition further expressed worry with the way the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection panel has conducted the recruitment process, saying that it did not hold the “highest standards for credible elections”.
The selection panel concluded its interviews on April 25, following a month-long vetting exercise.
Chaired by Nelson Makanda, the panel completed interviews for the IEBC chairperson position on March 26.
A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the chairperson role, including former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and former Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairperson Charles Nyachae.
Other candidates included Saul Simiyu Wasilwa, Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan, Joy Mdivo, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, Lilian Wanjiku Manegene, and Robert Akumu Asembo.
The interviews for IEBC commissioner positions began on March 27, 2025, and concluded on April 25.
Out of 111 shortlisted candidates, 106 appeared before the panel for interviews.
By law, the selection panel is required to submit the names of two top candidates for chairperson to President William Ruto, who will nominate one for vetting and approval by Parliament.
It will also forward the names of nine candidates for commissioner positions, from which the President will appoint six, subject to parliamentary vetting and approval.
