Ruto’s Administration Plotting Electoral Capture, Opposition Leaders Claim
In picture, People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua (middle) reading their joint statement, alongside Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) Leader Eugene Wamalwa and it's coalition members, during a joint press briefing in Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
Leaders of the People’s Loyal Coalition, including Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) Leader Eugene Wamalwa, have raised concerns over the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials and the early, illegal campaigns conducted by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) alliance.
The coalition leaders strongly criticized the ongoing IEBC recruitment process, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of attempting to manipulate the selection of commissioners to secure control over the electoral body ahead of the next General Election.
According to the coalition, the shortlisting process excluded highly qualified Kenyans while favoring individuals with questionable credentials and clear affiliations to the ruling UDA party and ODM.
“The Ruto regime is determined to capture the electoral management body to rig the next General Election and extend the reign of a government that has already lost the trust of Kenyans,” said Karua.
The coalition specifically questioned the shortlisting of Ms. Joy Midivo, citing her role as Chairperson of the UDA Internal Dispute Resolution Committee, which disqualifies her from serving as an IEBC commissioner under Article 88 (2)(a)(ii) of the Constitution. They also pointed out the inclusion of President Ruto’s personal lawyer in the list of candidates, raising concerns about impartiality.
Additionally, the leaders highlighted suspicions surrounding the involvement of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in the selection process, given the agency’s alleged involvement in abductions, torture, and forced disappearances.
They urged the panel to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and nominate individuals of unquestionable integrity.
“The IEBC Selection Panel must explain how partisan figures such as Ms. Midivo and Katwa Kigen were shortlisted,” demanded Kalonzo.
They also insisted on implementing the principle of consultation and concurrence between President Ruto, ODM Leader Raila Odinga, and the opposition before finalizing the appointment of commissioners, warning that they would not tolerate a compromised recruitment process.
The opposition leaders also took issue with what they termed as premature and unlawful election campaigns by the UDA-ODM alliance, accusing President Ruto of launching aggressive campaign rallies in Nairobi, which were accompanied by incidents of violence and lawlessness. According to them, gangs affiliated with the ruling coalition engaged in robbery and mugging under police protection, further endangering the public.
The coalition further condemned the misuse of public resources in mobilizing crowds for these rallies. They also ridiculed what they described as a “desperate stunt” by the government to win public favor through the distribution of free food, which they claim was met with widespread skepticism and resentment.
“How low is this regime willing to sink? Using deception and public resources to fake political support is a disgrace,” Wamalwa asked.
As the UDA-ODM coalition prepares to extend its campaign to the Mount Kenya region, the opposition leaders called for restraint, urging their supporters to remain peaceful and not be provoked by what they termed as the “vile and violent” politics of the ruling coalition.
Additionally, they took a strong stance against the Nairobi City County Government’s recent declaration of the Nairobi River Corridor as a Special Planning Area (SPA). The leaders argued that the move, which affects properties from Naivasha Road to Ruai, is unconstitutional as land conversion is the sole responsibility of the National Land Commission (NLC).
“This attempt by the county government to usurp NLC’s role is illegal and unacceptable. It will drastically alter Nairobi’s demographic and political landscape, we will challenge the move in court and through mass action if necessary,” kalonzo vowed.
They further warned the government, saying that they would not allow the manipulation of electoral processes or unconstitutional governance practices to go unchallenged, vowing to remain vigilant in protecting Kenya’s democracy, and to take all necessary measures to ensure electoral justice and defend the rights of ordinary citizens.
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