Kalonzo warns IEBC: Do not subvert wishes of majority of Kenyans

Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against undermining the 2027 General Election's legitimacy. He warned Kenyans not to forgive the electoral body if it fails to uphold the majority's wishes, stating that doing so would compromise the nation's sovereignty.

Kalonzo emphasized that the young people of Kenya would never forgive the IEBC if their concerns are not addressed before the election. The warning comes as the IEBC ramps up preparations for the 2027 poll, estimating a total cost of KSh 63.95 billion, far exceeding the National Treasury's KSh 41.01 billion allocation, resulting in a funding gap of KSh 22.94 billion.

He expressed concern that Kenya cannot afford to spend such a large sum on election preparations while unresolved constitutional questions persist. Kalonzo also revisited past electoral disputes, referencing Raila Odinga's unsuccessful attempts to challenge election results through the courts in 2013, 2017, and 2022, as well as former President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent remarks on the 2022 presidential election.

He noted that despite these claims, the Supreme Court dismissed the 2022 petition, rendering them unverified. Kalonzo stressed that the credibility of the 2027 election should be safeguarded before voting rather than litigated afterward. For the IEBC, the challenge lies in preparing a KSh 63.95 billion election while ensuring voter confidence throughout the process.