Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of manipulating the selection of officials for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Machakos on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Mbui, who serves as the Deputy Minority Leader in the National Assembly, claimed that the selection process for the new IEBC commissioners lacked transparency and did not involve consultation with opposition parties. 

He alleged that several of the individuals nominated to the electoral body are close allies or relatives of senior figures in the ruling UDA party.

“Some of the names forwarded to Parliament include friends and cronies of the UDA brigade. One of the nominees is reportedly related to a senior Cabinet Secretary, and another is said to be closely linked to a top official at State House,” Mbui stated.

NADCO agreement

The Kathiani legislator expressed concern that such appointments could compromise the credibility of future elections and reignite tensions similar to those witnessed after the 2022 polls.

He cited the findings of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), co-chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, which was formed to address grievances from the 2022 post-election period.

According to Mbui, the NADCO report submitted to Ruto called for consensus and independence in reconstituting the electoral commission.

“The report recommended that to prevent future post-election conflict, those seeking leadership should sit together and agree on a truly independent IEBC,” he explained.

Mbui argued that the recent appointments ignored these recommendations, undermining efforts to ensure electoral integrity.

“Unfortunately, the IEBC has already been reconstituted and names forwarded to Parliament, without any consultation. The Wiper Party Leader was not consulted, nor were any leaders from the People’s Loyal Opposition side. That’s the issue we are raising. We’ll do what we can, even go to court,” he remarked.

2027 polls

The Wiper Party Organising Secretary warned that Kenyans were growing increasingly disillusioned with the current administration.

He predicted that public dissatisfaction would translate into a vote against Ruto in 2027, regardless of who manages the elections.

“It does not matter even if the President appoints himself IEBC chair. Kenyans are tired, and they will vote for change. In 2027, we have said one thing: RMG—Ruto Must Go,” he asserted.

The MP further reiterated his support for Kalonzo Musyoka as the most suitable leader to unite the country and provide honest, experienced leadership in the next electoral cycle.

“In 2027, we need a leader who will unite us. That leader must be someone with experience, must be honest, must be respectable, and must not be corrupt. When you start looking for a leader, I have one for you – Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka,” he stated. By Cy Muganda, People  Daily