Leaders of the United Opposition today held a high-level consultative meeting with officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at Anniversary Towers, reiterating their firm demands for transparency, institutional independence, and far-reaching reforms to restore public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The delegation was led by H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka and included H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, Hon. Martha Karua, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, and other senior leaders of the United Opposition.
Addressing the media after the meeting, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka expressed grave concerns regarding the credibility of the IEBC in its current form.
“The IEBC, as presently constituted, is widely perceived by Kenyans as a William Ruto commission. That perception can only be reversed through clear, demonstrable actions that affirm its independence, neutrality, and commitment to the Constitution,” said Kalonzo Musyoka.
A key point of contention raised during the meeting was the ongoing KIEMS procurement process, which the United Opposition unequivocally rejected.
“We made it categorically clear that the procurement process lacks credibility and that Smartmatic must not, under any circumstances, be involved in the 2027 General Election,” Kalonzo added.
The leaders also raised serious concerns regarding the continued tenure of IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan, citing the need for accountability and institutional renewal.
“For the IEBC to regain the trust of the Kenyan people, there must be accountability at the highest levels of its management. This includes addressing concerns surrounding the continued stay of the current CEO,” said Hon. Martha Karua.
Hon. Eugene Wamalwa emphasized that electoral integrity is a national issue that transcends partisan politics.
“Free, fair, and credible elections are the foundation of our democracy. The IEBC must open its processes to public scrutiny and commit to reforms that guarantee the will of the people is respected,” he said.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i underscored the urgency of reform, noting that delays or half-measures would only deepen public mistrust.
“Electoral confidence is built through transparency, professionalism, and accountability. Kenyans deserve an electoral body that inspires confidence, not suspicion,” Matiang’i stated.
As a constructive step forward, the United Opposition and the IEBC agreed to establish a joint technical team that will engage openly and transparently on electoral processes, technology, and institutional reforms.
“We are committed to engaging the IEBC in good faith, but this engagement must be open, transparent, and guided by the supreme interests of the Kenyan people,” Kalonzo Musyoka concluded.
The United Opposition reaffirmed its resolve to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy and ensuring that the 2027 General Election is conducted in a manner that is free, fair, credible, and beyond reproach.
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