Opposition accuses Ruto of election rigging
Prominent opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, have accused President William Ruto of manipulating IEBC appointments to ensure his 2027 re-election, terming the new slate a "rigging machine." They have also formed a parallel "People's IEBC" watchdog.
Kenya's political landscape has been stirred by serious allegations from prominent opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, who have publicly warned that President William Ruto is allegedly manipulating the selection process for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to secure his re-election in 2027. These accusations have heightened political tensions and raised concerns about the future integrity of the electoral process.
In a strongly worded joint statement released on May 13, these opposition leaders did not mince words, branding the proposed new IEBC slate as a "rigging machine" and a "State House project." They specifically flagged several nominees perceived as loyalists to President Ruto, with particular concern raised over the chairperson pick, Erastus Edung. As a countermeasure and a symbol of their distrust, the opposition announced the formation of a parallel "People’s IEBC," a watchdog body intended to monitor and uphold constitutional governance and electoral fairness.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, the opposition also directed accusations of betrayal towards former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, alleging his tacit cooperation with President Ruto on the IEBC recruitment process. These claims suggest deep divisions and realignments within Kenya's political fabric as the country looks towards its next general election cycle.
