Friday, February 14, 2025
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Kalonzo Drops IEBC Bombshell on 2027 Dirty Deals

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed that there is a mischievous procurement plan within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) concerning the 2027 election ballot papers.

While addressing the media on Friday, January 24, Kalonzo claimed that a former IEBC commissioner is advising the Secretariat on procurement.

The Wiper leader also alleged that the commission’s server had been moved to a different location.

“Within the IEBC Secretariat itself, there are terrible things going on there like procurement and they are testing the ground,” Kalonzo said.

“We gathered that there is a former commissioner sitting as an advisor in the State House who is giving instructions to the IEBC Secretariat.” 

IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan during a past event. PHOTO/IEBC.

Kalonzo Reveals Procurement Mischief of IEBC Ballot Papers and Server

He added, “The country is watching, and they are testing waters and if we allow them to go on with the procurement, the next thing they want to do is to procure election materials for 2027, print them in excess of the numbers that will be there in order to further compromise the integrity of the election process.”

“They have removed the server from IEBC to some other destinations.”

Kalonzo also demanded that President William Ruto move with speed to put in place the nine persons for the IEBC selection panel, leading to its formation and reconstitution.

He called on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to forward the names to the Head of State as the chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission.


Also Read: Kalonzo Reveals Abduction Squad Headquaters


Court Clears Path for IEBC Reconstitution

This comes after the High Court, in a ruling on January 24, 2025, cleared the way for the IEBC selection panel list to be forwarded to President William Ruto for appointment.

The petitioner, Boniface Njogu had argued that the panel lacked adequate representation of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) when he challenged its constitution in a petition last year.

Following the petition, a ruling by Judge Dola Chepkwony in October 2024 temporarily halted the process of forwarding the names of the selection panel members to the President until the matter was heard and determined.

However, Justice Chepkwony on Friday ruled that there was no evidence to show that PWDs were excluded or that the panel failed to meet gender and regional balance requirements.

The judge also rejected a petition challenging Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition’s nomination process, noting that the claim that the coalition failed to conduct a competitive and open recruitment exercise could not be substantiated.

According to Justice Chepkwony, Azimio was not formally enjoined in the case as a party.


Also Read: Court Clears Way for IEBC Formation


Why IEBC Commission Has not Been Formed Over a Year

The commission has been without commissioners since March 2023, when Irene Masit, the last commissioner, was forced out.

The rest of the commissioners’ terms had ended, with others being forced to resign. This new development comes nearly five months after President Ruto assented to the IEBC Bill, setting the stage for the reconstitution of the electoral body through the appointment of commissioners and a chairperson in preparation for the 2027 general election.

The nomination process for the IEBC selection panel had been thrown into disarray following a petition filed at the Supreme Court of Kenya, along with pending cases at the High Court and Court of Appeal challenging the process.

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President William Ruto during a Cabinet Meeting at State Lodge, Kakamega.
President William Ruto during a Cabinet Meeting at State Lodge, Kakamega. PHOTO/PSC

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Annah Nanjala Wekesa

Annah Nanjala Wekesa is a journalist at The Kenya Times, with a passion for crafting news-worthy stories that leave a lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media from Kisii University. She has honed her skills in the art of storytelling and journalism. Her passion lies in the art of storytelling that resonates with audiences, driving a commitment to delivering news-worthy stories through the lens of integrity and precision. She can be reached at annah.wekesa@thekenyatimes.com

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