The United Opposition on Tuesday said it had formally raised concerns with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over growing public distrust in the electoral body, challenging the Commission to take deliberate steps to restore confidence ahead of upcoming electoral exercises.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with the IEBC, the opposition said it informed the Commission that public perception increasingly views it as politically compromised, but noted that the newly constituted team had been given an opportunity to prove its independence through transparency and strict adherence to the law.
“We started by telling them that the perception out there is that this is a William Ruto Commission, and we gave them the opportunity to prove the country wrong,” the United Opposition said in a joint position. “We raised issues openly and stated clearly that we are unhappy with the procurement of the KIEMS kits, especially given the history of discredited processes.”
The meeting brought together IEBC commissioners and leaders of the United Opposition and focused on the Commission’s readiness to carry out key electoral responsibilities.
Among the issues discussed were the management of pending by-elections, electoral security, voter registration, and the procurement of election materials and services.
The United Opposition also expressed concern over insecurity witnessed in recent by-elections, warning that intimidation, violence, and undue influence continue to undermine free and fair elections.
The coalition urged the Commission to put in place robust security measures to guarantee voters a safe environment to exercise their democratic rights.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to operate strictly within the Constitution and the law while serving all Kenyans impartially.
He said the Commission remains committed to political neutrality and transparency in the discharge of its mandate.
Both sides underscored the need to rebuild public trust and strengthen transparency in Kenya’s electoral processes through sustained and structured stakeholder engagement.
The IEBC pledged to conduct regular consultative meetings with all political players, uphold transparency and consultative procurement processes, and maintain political neutrality in a bid to deliver free, fair, and verifiable elections.
