A fresh political storm is brewing as opposition leaders, activists, and political analysts reject the recently shortlisted nominees for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza governmentof plotting to rig the 2027 General Election.
With the final appointments set for March 25, 2025, the growing chorus of dissent insists that the selection process has been manipulated to install pro-government figures who will oversee a predetermined election outcome.
Among those raising alarm are Dr. Phillip Mwabe, an aspiring Migori Governor, Ms. Sophy Dhibira, the Jubilee Party’s Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) Representative and a Senate aspirant for Migori County, Mr. Dansam Ouma, a political scientist, and Mr. Gad Awuonda, a Nairobi-based lawyer seeking to unseat Migori Senator Eddy Okech.
They insist that the selection panel must revoke the current shortlist and initiate a fresh, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process.
They claim that the nominees—David Muga, Janet Kobala, William Ratego, and Eunice Nyambura—have direct links to Kenya Kwanza operatives, raising fears that they have been strategically positioned to influence the 2027 elections in favor of the ruling party.
Their concerns are echoed by activists and independent political analysts, who argue that the IEBC must remain neutral and independent for Kenya to avoid another disputed election.
Various civic groups warn that if the process is not stopped, the country could see another round of election-related violence, as witnessed in previous polls.
A History of Electoral Manipulation
Kenya’s electoral process has faced intense scrutiny in the past, with allegations of voter register tampering, ballot stuffing, and biased election officials compromising the integrity of elections.
The 2017 general election saw the Supreme Court nullify the presidential results, citing irregularities and illegalities by the IEBC.
The decision, which was a first in Africa, underscored the deep-rooted problems in the electoral system.
The repeat election was boycotted by the opposition, further deepening the political divide.
The 2022 elections were equally controversial, with four out of the seven IEBC commissioners rejecting the final presidential results, alleging that the tallying process had been hijacked.
The rift within the commission saw then-IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati declare William Ruto as the winner amid chaotic scenes at the national tallying center.
The fallout from the disputed election led to mass protests, with opposition leaders insisting that the system had been compromised to favor Kenya Kwanza.
Now, as the country prepares for 2027, opposition leaders, civil society groups, and legal experts argue that Kenya Kwanza is laying the groundwork to capture the IEBC by installing loyalists who will oversee the next poll.
Migori Leaders and Activists Join the Outcry
The controversy has particularly intensified in Migori County, where local leaders fear the integrity of the electoral process at the county level is also under threat.
Migori has previously been at the center of disputed elections, with claims of voter suppression, missing ballots, and election officials working to favor specific candidates.
The fear is that with a compromised IEBC, the same irregularities will play out again in 2027.
Dr. Phillip Mwabe warned that the current selection process is setting up the country for a pre-determined election.
“This is not about democracy anymore. It is about Kenya Kwanza capturing every institution, including the IEBC, to ensure they stay in power beyond 2027. We cannot allow a rigged process to proceed,” he said.
Ms. Sophy Dhibira expressed concern over the selection criteria, arguing that the panel deliberately excluded independent candidates and those aligned with the opposition.
“The current shortlist is an insult to democracy. Every nominee has connections to the ruling party. Where is the diversity? Where is the independence?” she asked.
She pointed out that the selection process mirrors previous attempts to manipulate elections in Migori and nationally.
“We have seen this before—handpicked electoral officers being positioned to serve political interests. If we allow this, we are staring at a fraudulent 2027 election,” she said.
Lawyer Mr. Gad Awuonda issued a direct challenge to the selection panel, warning that failure to act transparently would lead to legal and political consequences.
“We are giving the panel a chance to revoke the shortlist and start afresh. If they fail, we will not only challenge this in court but also mobilize nationwide protests to defend democracy,” he declared.
Key opposition figures allied to ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have also accused Kenya Kwanza of Rigging Plans.
Senior opposition figures claim that the Kenya Kwanza administration has infiltrated the selection panel to ensure pro-government candidates take control of the IEBC.
According to sources within the opposition, top Kenya Kwanza officials have been holding closed-door meetings to guarantee that individuals loyal to the ruling party secure key positions in the electoral body.
One opposition lawmaker, speaking anonymously, claimed that the government’s strategy is clear:
“They want to control voter registration, the transmission of results, and the announcement of winners. The 2027 election will be stolen long before Kenyans even cast their votes.”
The Call for a Fresh Selection Process
With national pressure mounting, civic groups, religious organizations, and legal experts are now demanding that the IEBC selection panel halt the process and start afresh.
There are increasing calls for international election observers and independent oversight bodies to monitor the selection of commissioners to prevent any potential rigging attempts.
If the concerns remain unaddressed, the 2027 elections may become the most disputed in Kenya’s history.
The question remains—will the selection panel prioritize democracy, or will it bow to political pressure and oversee a flawed process that could shake the nation’s stability once again?