By Wakhungu Andanje
Several political leaders from Kenya’s Western region have strongly condemned opposition efforts to block the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), labelling it a malicious attempt to undermine the Kenya Kwanza government. The opposition has filed a court complaint against the government’s plans to reconstitute the IEBC, but leaders in Kakamega County have denounced the move as insincere.
Led by Principal Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the leaders accused the opposition of sabotaging the IEBC reform process for ulterior motives. Mudavadi claimed that those opposing the IEBC restructuring were attempting to tarnish the image of President William Ruto’s administration, suggesting that their goal was to portray the government as ineffective.
“If President Ruto and Raila Odinga have agreed to work together in a broad-based government, who are you to stand in the way?” Mudavadi said. “The Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to ensuring that Raila Odinga clinches the African Union Chairmanship and is focused on advancing development as outlined in President Ruto’s manifesto.”
Mudavadi further stated that the opposition’s failure to propose a representative for the selection panel and their refusal to engage in dialogue were deliberate attempts to derail the Kenya Kwanza administration’s progress. He emphasized the importance of a reformed IEBC ahead of the 2027 elections to guarantee that all Kenyans can exercise their democratic rights.
“Let’s be sober and work together to form the election body as 2027 approaches. The Kenyan people expect us to focus on development, not endless political bickering,” Mudavadi added.
Also speaking at events in Kakamega County, including the Digihub launch and the Safe Homes Safe Spaces initiative in Bukhungu, Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa expressed frustration with those taking the issue to court. He suggested that some individuals were acting out of bitterness for being left out of the broad-based government.
“Why would any reasonable Kenyan block a process that has been desired by many?” Barasa questioned. “There are a few disgruntled individuals who feel sidelined, but the Kenya Kwanza government, with the support of Raila Odinga, is focused on development. We stand in solidarity with the government to ensure progress at both the county and national levels.”
Barasa urged leaders to focus on development rather than engage in political mudslinging, stressing that the time for electioneering would come in 2027.
