Opposition leaders demand release of IEBC selection report, hansard records
The leaders described the recruitment as flawed, opaque, and politically influenced.
Opposition leaders have demanded the immediate release of the Selection Panel’s exit report and all Hansard records related to the recent appointment of six nominees to the electoral commission, insisting the public deserves to know the criteria used in the controversial process.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the leaders described the recruitment as flawed, opaque, and politically influenced.
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The leaders were reacting after last week, President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon for the position of chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
He also nominated six other persons as members of the commission, who are Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua); Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega); Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu); Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera); Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu) and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).
The opposition leaders claim the process was manipulated to install a biased electoral commission that would serve President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election interests, with the support of Raila Odinga.
“This is not a commission for the people. It is a project designed to rig the next election in broad daylight,” the statement reads.
The statement was signed by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper party leader), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), ex-Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justin Muturi, Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Torome Saitoti (Jubilee Party) and Mukhisa Kituyi (Former UNCTAD Secretary-General).
The leaders allege that the panel was filled with Ruto loyalists, ignored constitutional requirements, and violated principles of political neutrality and public participation.
They listed specific concerns over individual nominees, including Erastus Edung, nominated as Chairperson, whom they accused of having close ties to State House and a poor record as Turkana County Attorney.
Another nominee, Hassan Noor, was reportedly not in the original shortlist but was included after lobbying by Junet Mohammed. Joy Midivo and Charles Nyachae, described as Ruto allies, also raised red flags over a conflict of interest.
The panel’s credibility was further questioned over Dr Adams Oloo’s dual role as a panellist and Ruto’s communication advisor.
“The Constitution demands an independent and impartial commission. What Ruto has created is the very opposite, an extension of his campaign machinery,” the opposition said.
As a result, the coalition announced plans to launch a parallel People’s IEBC to monitor the official commission and hold it to standards of transparency and fairness.
“We are taking immediate steps to establish a citizen-led watchdog that will reflect the true spirit of Article 10 on national values and good governance,” the statement read further.
Calling on Kenyans to remain alert, the opposition warned that allowing a politically compromised commission to oversee the 2027 election would threaten democracy itself. “This is not just about 2027. It is about the soul of our democracy. Let us unite, resist, and reclaim our country,” the opposition concluded.
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