Kalonzo Sets Strict Conditions for Ruto Talks

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with President William Ruto specifically on the selection of the IEBC chairperson.

This comes as the selection panel prepares to commence interviews on March 17 for the next chairperson and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The Wiper leader has firmly dismissed any intention of forming a political alliance with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. The interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place over three days, from March 24 to March 26, at the College of Insurance in Nairobi.

Musyoka’s conditional openness to dialogue comes amid a flurry of political activity in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a book launch in Nairobi, Musyoka refuted claims of ongoing talks with Ruto's administration, emphasizing that any engagement would be strictly limited to the IEBC chairpersonship.

"Let no one panic or suggest that Kalonzo has been to State House. If there is to be a meeting with President Ruto, it will be solely to deliberate on the IEBC chairpersonship," he stated, reiterating his determination to contest the presidency in 2027.

The first group of candidates, including Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot H. Ramadhan, and Edward Katama Ngeywa, are scheduled to be interviewed on March 24. Subsequent sessions on March 25 will feature Erastus Edung Ethekon, Francis Kakai Kissinger, Jacob Ngwele Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo. The interviews will conclude on March 26 with Lillian Wanjiku Manegene, Robert Akumu Asembo, and Saul Simiyu Wasilwa.

Musyoka has been actively consolidating his position within the opposition ranks, including efforts to forge alliances with figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He has publicly criticized Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for entering into a cooperation agreement with President Ruto, characterizing it as a betrayal of opposition principles. The selection of the new IEBC leadership carries significant implications for Kenya's democratic processes, particularly as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.

The commission's integrity and impartiality are crucial to ensuring a fair and credible electoral process. Musyoka's remarks, therefore, underscore the high stakes involved in the forthcoming appointments. He stated, “The only time I will meet Ruto will be during the transfer of power, just as it happened with Uhuru.”