Opposition accuses IEBC of bias, vows to challenge Mbeere North, Malava polls results

The United Opposition is now accusing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of being a puppet of the State, warning the commission against overseeing shambolic elections in 2027.

The leaders, who gathered in Ithanga Village in Muranga County on Tuesday for the burial of the late Herbert Kariithi Macharia claim that the recent by-elections exposed the relationship between the government and the IEBC.

They accused it of being an extension of the State and questioned its transparency in preparing for the 2027 General Election, vowing to challenge the outcome of the Malava and Mbeere North parliamentary by-elections, which they claimed were fraudulent. 

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused IEBC Chair Erustus Edung Ethekon and IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan of colluding with the Kenya Kwanza administration instead of retaining the independence of the IEBC.

"We will not allow the current IEBC to stand in the way of the people’s will. The country knows this is a Ruto commission. We have seen the fraud committed during the last byelections. We shall pursue private prosecution where accountability is required. Kenya must have free and fair elections," he said.

The leaders further defended their unity, saying they will remain together in ensuring President Ruto becomes a one-term president.

The opposition claims the government is in panic mode and has resorted to attempts to split the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Eugene Wamalwa said there is a deliberate scheme by Ruto to divide the opposition.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, who hosted the opposition in Muranga, warned leaders from the Mountain region against fragmenting the region's presidency votes.

The opposition principals also rallied the Murang'a electorate to reject the government’s privatisation plan of key parastatals and the sale of GoK shares at Safaricom.