RAILA CALLS FOR REFORMS TO KENYA’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for comprehensive reforms to Kenya’s electoral system, alleging it perpetuates corruption and deepens inequality. He took aim at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), claiming its procurement-focused operations have transformed voter registration into a profit driven scheme. He contended that mandating separate voter cards disenfranchises countless citizens, especially in marginalized regions. He also raised concerns over the high cost of Kenyan elections, arguing that the inflated expenses expose a system rigged for exploitation rather than efficiency.

 To streamline the process, he suggested staggering elections instead of holding all six: presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, parliamentary, Women Representative, and MCA on one day. Additionally, he called on the newly appointed IEBC, chaired by Erastus Ethekon, to rebuild public trust in the institution. He cautioned that years of contested election outcomes have left many Kenyans doubting the integrity of the electoral process. His remarks come as Kenya braces for a possible political shift ahead of the next general elections.