Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have raised serious concerns about the delayed reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing President William Ruto of deliberately stalling the process. In a joint outcry, the two leaders have suggested that the delay in nominating new members to the IEBC is a calculated move aimed at undermining the credibility of the electoral body ahead of future elections.
Gachagua, who has recently hinted at his ambitions for the 2027 presidential race, expressed frustration with the ongoing delays, calling it a sign of “mischief” from the executive. He claimed that Ruto’s government was intentionally dragging its feet on the matter to ensure that the IEBC remains in a state of disarray, potentially leading to a compromised electoral process. Gachagua’s remarks came at a time when both political observers and civil society groups have been calling for the urgent reconstitution of the IEBC, arguing that its current structure is not equipped to oversee free and fair elections.
Kalonzo Musyoka echoed these sentiments, accusing Ruto’s administration of failing to prioritize the necessary reforms. The veteran politician questioned the motives behind the government’s reluctance to reconstitute the IEBC, pointing out that the electoral body is crucial to the integrity of the democratic process. He warned that the continued delay in appointing new commissioners would erode public confidence in the electoral system, particularly as the 2027 elections loom closer.
The accusations from Gachagua and Kalonzo reflect a growing sense of unease within the opposition and even within some factions of the ruling party, who feel that the delay is strategic rather than procedural. The two leaders have emphasized that the process of nominating new IEBC commissioners must be transparent and inclusive, with input from all political stakeholders. They also expressed concerns that if the process is not handled with due diligence, the country could face another crisis similar to the post-election violence of 2007-2008.
While Ruto has remained largely silent on the issue, his government has defended the delay, citing the need to ensure that the appointment process is carried out in accordance with the law. The President’s office has stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the IEBC is restructured in a manner that guarantees its independence and integrity. However, critics argue that these delays are allowing the current commission to maintain its hold on power, which could have serious consequences for future elections.
The political tensions surrounding the IEBC have been further fueled by the President’s recent reshuffles, which some see as a way to consolidate power within the executive branch. The controversy over the IEBC’s reconstitution is also intertwined with the broader debate over electoral reforms, which many believe are necessary to avoid the mistakes of previous elections. As both Gachagua and Kalonzo continue to push for a prompt overhaul, the pressure on Ruto to act is mounting.
The stakes are high, and with just a few years until the next general election, the delay in reconstituting the IEBC has become a focal point of political discourse. Will Ruto take decisive action, or will Gachagua and Kalonzo’s accusations of mischief continue to simmer and potentially disrupt the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections? Only time will tell.
