"RUTO’S IEBC?" OPPOSITION CRIES FOUL OVER NOMINEES, WARNS OF 2027 RIGGING PLOT

Kenya’s opposition leaders have strongly rejected the list of nominees to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), claiming it is a calculated plan to rig the 2027 General Election in favour of President William Ruto.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday and signed by eight opposition heavyweights, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused both President Ruto and ODM boss Raila Odinga of colluding to influence the IEBC for political gain.

“President William Ruto has handpicked a partisan IEBC—tailored to serve his 2027 re-election ambitions. 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 his newfound ally, Hon. Raila Odinga,” the statement read.

The opposition claims the recruitment process was heavily skewed, with the selection panel described as “a political extension of State House,” allegedly staffed with Ruto loyalists and close advisors.

They argue that the process flouted key constitutional requirements, including public participation, political neutrality, and consultation with stakeholders.

Red Flags in the Nominee List

The coalition singled out Erastus Ethekon, nominated for chairperson of the IEBC, calling him a known Ruto ally with links to Deputy State House Comptroller Josphat Nanok. Also flagged is Hassan Noor, named as commissioner, who the opposition says is a relative of Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and was not part of the original shortlist.

Call for Transparency

The opposition is now demanding the immediate release of the selection panel’s exit report and the full Hansard records, urging the public to scrutinize how the seven IEBC nominees were selected.

“This is not just about names; it’s about the future of democracy in Kenya,” the statement emphasized.

The controversy sets the stage for a heated political standoff as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.