United Opposition Condemns New IEBC Appointments as “Blatant Attempt to Rig 2027,” Vows Resistance

A coalition of senior political leaders under the banner of the People’s United Opposition has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, accusing them of orchestrating a “partisan takeover” of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to rig the 2027 general election.

In a fiery statement released Monday, the opposition bloc described the newly constituted IEBC as “a political project” tailored to serve President Ruto’s re-election ambitions, while warning of sweeping mobilization to resist what they term “state capture and electoral fraud in motion.”

“What we feared has now come to pass,” the statement begins. “This is not a commission for the people. It is a project designed to rig the next election in broad daylight, with the silent approval of Ruto’s newfound ally, Hon. Raila Odinga.”

The opposition alleges that the recruitment process was riddled with irregularities, including lack of transparency, political interference, and disregard for constitutional principles of impartiality, public participation, and consultation. They specifically cite several controversial appointments:

• Hassan Noor, said to be a relative of MP Junet Mohammed, was not on the original shortlist but was later included after a panel deadline extension.

• Joy Midivo and Charles Nyachae were shortlisted despite alleged affiliations with the UDA party and close ties to Ruto.

• Dr. Adams Oloo, a selection panel member, was also named as a presidential communications advisor—raising questions of conflict of interest.

• Erastus Edung, the nominee for Chairperson, was described as a known Ruto loyalist with a disputed track record during his tenure as Turkana County Attorney.

The group pointed to Article 88(2) of the Constitution, which mandates that the IEBC be “independent, impartial, and free from political influence,” arguing that the newly appointed commissioners fall far short of this standard.

“This is the Ruto-Raila Commission—born out of a ‘broad-based brotherhood’ and crafted to subvert democracy,” the statement continues. “Even if Dr. Ruto were to install himself as Chairperson of the IEBC, we are ready to resist.”

To counter what they view as an illegitimate process, the opposition announced plans to form a People’s IEBC—a parallel, citizen-led electoral watchdog intended to hold the official commission accountable and safeguard democratic principles.

The opposition further demanded the immediate release of the Selection Panel’s exit report and all Hansard records detailing how the six nominees were shortlisted, calling on the public to scrutinize the process.

“This is not just about 2027,” the statement declares. “It is about the soul of our democracy. Our Constitution grants us the right to free, fair, and credible elections. We must protect that right with urgency and resolve.”

United Opposition Key Members:

• H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, SC – Party Leader, Wiper Democratic Movement

• Hon. Martha Karua, SC – Party Leader, People’s Liberation Party

• H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH – 2nd Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya

• Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, EGH – Party Leader, DAP–Kenya

• Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH – Party Leader, Democratic Party

• Mr. Torome Saitoti – Chairperson, Jubilee Party

• Hon. Fred Matiang’i, EGH – Party Leader, UPA

• Hon. Mukhisa Kituyi, EGH – Former UNCTAD Secretary General

The political temperature continues to rise as the newly restructured IEBC prepares to oversee upcoming by-elections and national preparations for 2027. Whether the People’s IEBC materializes or gains traction remains to be seen—but the opposition's message is clear: they are prepared for a long political fight.

May 13, 2025