Kenya’s opposition leaders have issued a sweeping set of demands to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing it of falling short of constitutional obligations.
In a letter seen by reporters, the United Opposition called for full disclosure of records ranging from staff meeting minutes to contracts with technology providers. The coalition argues that greater transparency is essential if Kenyans are to trust the by-elections set for 27 November 2025.
“We are not making these demands for ourselves but for the credibility of the process,” the letter reads in part.
Inside the Demands
The opposition’s 21 demands cover almost every aspect of election management. They include:
- Minutes of plenary and committee meetings dating back to the commissioners’ swearing-in.
- Details of meetings related to the upcoming by-elections, including criteria for staff selection.
- Contracts with service providers, especially those supplying election technology.
- Records linked to Smartmatic, the firm behind Kenya’s election technology in 2022.
The letter goes further, asking IEBC to declare its position on Smartmatic’s performance in the last general election. The coalition cited past concerns, including the Supreme Court dispute over access to tallying centre servers.
The opposition also wants clarity on the printing of ballots and result forms, procurement procedures, and any contract variations. They have asked for a full account of the voter register, including audits, identification processes, and geolocation data of all polling stations.
The commission has been given 14 days to respond.
Spotlight on IEBC
The pressure comes at a difficult moment for the electoral body. IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon told MPs this week that eight of the by-elections remain uncertain due to lack of funds.
“We need at least Ksh.1 billion to run all the polls. So far, the Treasury has only released Ksh.788 million,” said IEBC Chief Executive Marjan Hussein Marjan.
That funding shortfall has fuelled fresh doubts about the commission’s readiness. Critics say the budget squeeze risks undermining voter confidence even before ballots are cast.
The Opposition Front
The United Opposition brings together several prominent figures: Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP boss Martha Karua, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, and DAP-K head Eugene Wamalwa. They are joined by former cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Justin Muturi.
Analysts say the coalition’s decision to act jointly marks a new phase in Kenya’s electoral politics. “This is less about the by-elections themselves and more about setting the stage for 2027,” said a Nairobi-based political commentator.
For now, though, the focus remains on November — and whether the IEBC will meet the opposition’s demands.
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