National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wa, during an interdenominational church service at Nandi Hills Stadium in Nandi County on May 11, 2025.
President William Ruto's allies have attacked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, dismissing his claims that the Head of State sidelined the opposition in nominating new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
The leaders who were speaking at a church function in Nandi Hills Constituency Sunday, labeled Kalonzo’s remarks as disingenuous, insisting he was not only consulted but played a central role in shaping the entire selection process.
The controversy stems from Kalonzo’s recent public statements accusing President Ruto of unilaterally picking the new electoral commissioners.
However, lawmakers from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition have countered that the Wiper leader’s grievances are unfounded, given his direct involvement in the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) that established the IEBC selection framework.
"The same Kalonzo who is complaining now co-chaired the National Dialogue Committee with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and they agreed on the formula for selecting the IEBC panel. Kalonzo had a representative, Dr Koki Muli, who actively participated in the process and even signed off on the names forwarded to the President. How can he now claim he wasn’t involved? That is pure dishonest,”said Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
The Nadco talks, which brought together government and opposition figures, were meant to foster bipartisan cooperation on key national issues, including electoral reforms. The committee’s recommendations formed the basis for the current IEBC selection panel, which conducted interviews and forwarded names to the President for final appointment.
Senate Majority Leader Aron Cheruiyot said Kalonzo cannot feign ignorance of the process he helped design.
"I was in the Nadco committee with Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and others, and we agreed on the IEBC selection process. I don’t understand why they are complaining now—it’s very dishonest."
Ainabkoi MP Samwel Chepkonga further clarified the legal basis for the President’s actions.
"The IEBC Act states that once the selection panel finalizes interviews, it submits qualified names to the President for appointment. The President isn’t required to consult anyone at that stage, and Kalonzo, as a lawyer, knows this."
Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition during an interdenominational church service at Nandi Hills Stadium in Nandi County on May 11, 2025.
Pro-government politicians have gone further, accusing Kalonzo of engaging in deliberate obstructionism. They claim his latest complaints are part of a broader strategy to derail the reconstitution of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"Kalonzo sent people to court to stop the IEBC panel from beginning its work. His preferred candidate was included, and the panel proceeded with interviews. How can he now claim he wasn’t consulted? Clearly, his goal is to frustrate the IEBC’s formation," said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita added a personal jab, referencing Kalonzo’s perceived inconsistency.
"We’re not surprised. Kalonzo is living up to his ‘Watermelon’ nickname — green today, red tomorrow. He claims he wasn’t involved, yet he knows he was at the center of the process."
The ruling coalition has framed the opposition’s resistance as a fear-driven tactic rather than a legitimate grievance. Some lawmakers suggest that Azimio la Umoja leaders are apprehensive about facing President Ruto in a free and fair electoral contest.
"They don’t have anything of substance to tell the people. Their only agenda is ‘Ruto Must Go,’ and that’s why they fear facing him in the ballot. I challenge them to present an alternative vision instead of hiding behind procedural complaints," said Kitutu Chache MP Japheth Nyakundi.
Read: 19 by-elections, boundary review, 2027 elections: Why the IEBC team must hit the ground running
With the President having formally submitted the nominees’ names to Parliament, the focus now shifts to the approval process. Kenya Kwanza MPs have vowed to fast-track the vetting to ensure the commission becomes operational without further delays.
"The IEBC commissioners should have been in office yesterday. We need them to oversee pending by-elections and begin preparations for 2027," said Farouk Kibet, President Ruto’s aide.
Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei reiterated this urgency: "When Parliament resumes, we’ll prioritize the IEBC appointments to give the new team ample time to prepare."
The President Ruto’s allies remain adamant — the process was transparent, inclusive, and legally sound. Any further objections, they argue, should be channeled through Parliament rather than the court of public opinion.
