Kalonzo Musyoka Accuses Ruto of Plotting to Rig 2027 Polls After IEBC Picks
A new political storm is gathering after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused President William Ruto of plotting to rig the 2027 General Election. Kalonzo criticized Ruto’s recent nominations to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), claiming they were made unilaterally and without bipartisan consultation, violating the spirit of national dialogue.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Kalonzo expressed concern over Ruto’s decision to nominate lawyer Erastus Edung Ethekon as IEBC chairperson, along with six other commissioners, without consulting the opposition. He argued that this undermined trust in the electoral body.
“We are extremely concerned that Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution,” Kalonzo wrote.
He further alleged that the appointments were part of a broader plan to influence not only the 2027 elections but also the imminent by-elections.
“As we had stated earlier, it is now evident that the intention is to rig not only the next election but also the upcoming by-elections,” he added, promising a comprehensive opposition statement on Monday, May 12.
The Wiper leader also criticized the IEBC selection process, led by Rev. Nelson Makanda, claiming it failed to meet expectations set by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). He dismissed the recent memorandum between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying Raila could no longer represent the opposition after aligning with the government.
List of Nominees to the New IEBC Team:
- Chairperson: Erastus Edung Ethekon (Turkana)
- Commissioners: Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua), Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega), Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu), Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu)
The nominees’ names have been forwarded to Parliament for vetting and debate. If approved, the new IEBC team will oversee several by-elections, including in Banissa, Mbeere North, Malava, Kasipul, and various ward-level races. They will also be charged with preparing for the 2027 General Election.
The IEBC has operated without a full commission since early 2023, following the end of terms for Wafula Chebukati, Boya Molu, and Abdi Guliye, and the 2022 resignations of commissioners Juliana Cherera, Irene Masit, Justus Nyang’aya, and Francis Wanderi amid internal conflict.
Kalonzo’s remarks come amid rising political tensions, with various leaders questioning the independence and legitimacy of the IEBC reconstitution process.
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Kalonzo Musyoka Accuses Ruto of Plotting to Rig 2027 Polls After IEBC Picks