Opposition Leaders Meet IEBC at Anniversary Towers
The opposition has finally spoken about their unexpected visit to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices at Anniversary Towers on Wednesday, January 28.
The delegation was led by Deputy President William Ruto’s former running mate, Rigathi Gachagua of the Democratic Party (DP), and included prominent leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Patriotic Front, Martha Karua of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, and Jubilee’s deputy party leader, Fred Matiang’i.
After the meeting, the leaders spoke to the media, sharing details of the discussions and highlighting the key concerns they raised with the electoral body.
According to the opposition leaders, the visit was largely a courtesy call aimed at formally engaging with the newly-formed IEBC.
They explained that the meeting was an opportunity to raise critical issues that, in their view, need urgent attention as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
The opposition has repeatedly argued that the current electoral body is fundamentally flawed and has yet to earn the confidence of the Kenyan public. “We were very straightforward in our discussion. We are dissatisfied with both the process and the outcome of the recent by-elections.
The public perception is clear that this is a William Ruto commission,” Kalonzo Musyoka told reporters.
Kalonzo further expressed concern about the procurement process of the KIEMS kits, as well as the involvement of Smartmatic, a company that has faced credibility issues internationally.
He emphasized the need for demonstrable results and transparency, adding, “We have agreed to work together with the technical teams at the commission in a clear and transparent manner.”
From the talks, the opposition leaders claim that they reached an understanding with the IEBC to create a framework that will address grievances and other electoral concerns ahead of the next general elections.
Fred Matiang’i, who previously served as Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, described the engagement as constructive. He highlighted that it was the first time the IEBC formally committed to a structured framework for future interactions with political parties.
“We had a cordial and productive conversation. For the first time, we have agreed to institutionalize our engagement with the commission. Another meeting will follow to go through the issues we raised in detail,” Matiang’i said.
He also noted that the opposition would continue to cooperate with the commission as long as the IEBC demonstrates good faith in its operations.
Rigathi Gachagua, however, was more critical, pointing out that the November by-elections, widely seen as the first significant test of the IEBC’s credibility, were flawed.
He suggested that the upcoming February by-election would serve as another test of the commission’s impartiality and warned of potential mass action if there are any signs of malpractice.
“We have communicated to the commissioners, on behalf of the people of Kenya, that elections are highly sensitive and emotionally charged.
They must prepare adequately. If the public feels the elections are not credible, tensions could rise. However, we are giving them the benefit of the doubt for now,” Gachagua said.
The opposition’s visit signals a willingness to engage with the electoral body while also underscoring their deep concerns about transparency, fairness, and credibility ahead of the 2027 polls.
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