Raila Denies Claims Of Interfering With IEBC Selection Process

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed allegations by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa that he is interfering with the ongoing selection of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 2, through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila rejected claims made by his former running mate, Kalonzo, who had suggested that the process was unconstitutional.

On Tuesday, Kalonzo, alongside DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and PLP party leader Martha Karua, argued that Raila’s recent agreement with President William Ruto disqualified him from the opposition. The Wiper leader also alleged that the foundational principles of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) had been compromised.

However, in response, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna dismissed the allegations, accusing Kalonzo of attempting to discredit a legitimate process.

“We view the accusation as an attempt to undermine the entire selection process. Kenyans have waited too long for a fully constituted IEBC, and we will not tolerate attempts to derail it,” Sifuna stated.

He further pointed out that opposition representation in the selection panel was ensured through Kalonzo’s ally, Koki Muli, who was appointed to the nine-member team in January.

Sifuna also blamed delays in the IEBC recruitment process on a court case filed by Kalonzo and his allies, adding that ODM had fully supported the nomination of a Wiper representative to the selection panel.

“We are confident that the men and women selected to represent various stakeholders, including the minority party to which ODM belongs, will uphold the country’s best interests and abide by their oath of office,” Sifuna added.

Last week, the IEBC selection panel interviewed 11 candidates for the position of commission chairperson. However, Kalonzo warned that his team would challenge the process in court if it did not uphold the principle of consultation and concurrence.

“We are watching very closely. We are not sleeping on this matter. It is an issue that concerns all Kenyans and cannot be controlled by one side alone. If that happens, both Kenyans and the world will see that this is William Ruto’s Commission, and we cannot allow that,” Kalonzo said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has approved a two-week extension for the recruitment of the new IEBC chairperson and commissioners.