A group of Members of Parliament from the Ukambani region have voiced strong opposition to President William Ruto’s recent appointments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), citing a lack of consultation with the opposition.
Led by Kathiani MP and Wiper Party National Organising Secretary Robert Mbui, along with Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, the leaders criticized the president for allegedly handpicking the new commissioners without engaging opposition leaders. They made these remarks on Saturday, May 10, 2025, during a funeral in Matungulu constituency, Machakos County.
The lawmakers raised concerns over the credibility of the 2027 general elections, claiming the appointment process lacked transparency and fairness. MP Mbui accused the president of favoritism, suggesting that nepotism influenced the selection of the commissioners. He further stated that the opposition plans to challenge the appointments in court.
Senator Maanzo, while addressing the gathering, encouraged Kenyan youth to register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 elections to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Their remarks follow President Ruto’s nomination of Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC Chairperson. In a statement released on May 8, 2025, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the president’s nominations, which also include six other individuals to serve as IEBC commissioners.
The nominees are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
Koskei noted that the names have been submitted to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, in line with the IEBC Act and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
