Barely hours after the swearing-in of the new members of the electoral body on Friday, a fierce political storm is already brewing, with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki trading barbs over the legitimacy and role of the commission ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking separately, the two leaders clashed over the credibility and independence of the newly sworn-in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
While addressing a public gatherings in Kuria East, Emurua Dikirr and Ruiru constituencies on Saturday, Prof Kindiki came out strongly in defence of the reconstituted electoral agency, warning critics against undermining independent institutions.
He insisted the IEBC must be allowed to function without political interference or baseless accusations.
“This is a national electoral body. It is independent and has been empowered by the Constitution to work without being influenced by anyone,” the Deputy President said.
“Those attacking IEBC are wasting their time. It is an arbiter in our elections, and if you dispute its decisions, you go to court.”
Prof Kindiki, who was presiding over an economic empowerment event for women and small-scale traders, said the Kenya Kwanza administration is fully focused on implementing its development agenda and would not be seeking favours from the commission.
“We don’t want to be favoured because we are focused and working hard for the people. They will vote us back because of performance,” he stated.
Mr Musyoka had on Friday dismissed the newly constituted IEBC as a “handpicked (President William) Ruto commission,” warning it risks plunging the country into political turmoil if it fails to operate independently and transparently.
“To the new IEBC, please do not try Kenyans,” Mr Musyoka said. “Already, the irregularities are far too many. Therefore, stand warned that any attempt to tamper with the electoral process will be met with unrelenting resistance. The will of the people is not negotiable.”
New IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, his vice Fahima Araphat Abdallah and five commissioners took the oath of office at an event held at the Supreme Court Buildings and presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Mr Ethekon took his oath of office alongside six commissioners, who will serve a six-year term.
The commissioners are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, and Francis Odhiambo Aduol.
The exchange between DP Kindiki and Mr Musyoka is the latest in a series of verbal clashes that underscore deepening mistrust between the ruling coalition and the opposition as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election.
Prof Kindiki, in his remarks, accused the opposition of prematurely discrediting the referee in a bid to create chaos and delegitimize the next election.
“Those attacking the IEBC have sensed defeat. Anyone doing that is a weak player not ready for competition. Respect the courts, the IEBC, and all our independent institutions,” he said.
He also warned against attempts to destabilize the country through unconstitutional means, adding that leadership should be sought through the ballot, not agitation.
“There is no shortcut to power. Those talking of shortcuts want to destabilize the country, and we will not allow it.”
The contentious reconstitution of the IEBC follows a protracted political standoff after the 2022 elections, which saw the resignation of four commissioners — famously dubbed the “Cherera Four” — who accused then-Chairman Wafula Chebukati of electoral malpractice. The exit of the commissioners and the eventual expiry of terms left a vacuum that necessitated the establishment of a new selection panel.
Despite an agreement through the bipartisan talks (the National Dialogue Committee) to restructure the process of appointing commissioners, critics say the Kenya Kwanza administration bulldozed through the process, ignoring concerns raised by civil society and opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, the DP used the occasion in Kuria East to outline government projects in Migori County, including the construction of modern markets in Kuria, electricity connection to 17,000 households, road tarmacking, and ongoing affordable housing projects.
He also urged Kenyans to register for the new Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage, branding it a crucial pillar of universal health care.
