People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has announced bold plans by the United Opposition to launch a parallel electoral watchdog named the People’s IEBC, which she says will play a key role in blocking any attempts at rigging the upcoming 2027 general election.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 23, Karua said that Kenya can no longer tolerate rigged elections and the time had come to restore public confidence in the democratic process. She called for massive voter registration, high voter turnout, and public participation in protecting every single vote cast.
“This election will be like the one in 2002. There will be no rigging this time. As the United Opposition, we are establishing a People’s IEBC. It will be revealed soon,” Karua stated. “This is not just an election-day taskforce—it will keep a close watch over the entire electoral process. Elections don’t just happen on one day.”
Karua explained that this citizen-led initiative will monitor voter registration, campaign financing, election day operations, results transmission, and even post-election activities. According to her, it will issue early warnings, provide regular updates, and act as a watchdog to ensure transparency and fairness from start to finish.
While launching the PLP on February 27, 2025, Karua made it clear that she has no faith in the current IEBC, describing it as compromised and lacking independence. She argued that forming a parallel electoral monitoring body is well within the rights granted under Kenya’s multiparty political system.
“What choice do we have when we’re dealing with a regime that thrives on theft and impunity—leaders who brag publicly about plans to rig elections in favour of Ruto?” Karua asked defiantly.
She insisted that the People’s IEBC will not just be symbolic but will deploy mechanisms on the ground to block any rigging attempts. “We will meet them blow for blow. But we will also come prepared with solid structures that ensure accountability,” she emphasized.
Karua’s announcement comes at a time when political temperatures in the country are on the rise. This follows shocking remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow on July 12, where she openly claimed that North Eastern MPs were ready to rig the 2027 vote if necessary to secure President Ruto’s re-election.
Jehow was quoted saying, “We support the President. Even if we don’t have the numbers, we will loot the votes for him… that’s no secret.”
Although Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi later condemned the comments and distanced the government from Jehow’s remarks, it wasn’t the first time politicians allied to Kenya Kwanza had been heard suggesting election manipulation.
With Karua now rallying the opposition under the People’s IEBC banner, the political battle ahead of 2027 is already heating up—setting the stage for a dramatic showdown over Kenya’s democratic future.
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