Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned opposition leaders against attacking or interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), insisting that the electoral body’s independence must be respected ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mudavadi accused opposition politicians of deliberately targeting the IEBC and its commissioners in an attempt to undermine public confidence in the commission and potentially delegitimise the outcome of the August 2027 elections.
He said maintaining public trust in the electoral body was critical to ensuring democratic stability and peaceful transfers of power.
“Maintaining the integrity and public trust of the IEBC is critical for ensuring stable democratic processes and peaceful transitions of power. When the opposition attacks the referee, it seems they are not ready to get into the field,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary warned against what he described as attempts to revive the political divisions witnessed during previous election cycles, particularly during the tenure of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Mudavadi defends IEBC
Mudavadi defended the current IEBC team led by Erastus Ethekon, citing recent by-elections as evidence that the commission was capable of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
He questioned the opposition’s criticism of the electoral body after some opposition candidates had previously praised the commission following electoral victories.
“When the opposition won the Ol Kalou seat, they praised the IEBC, but a few weeks later they are out discrediting the same commission. What has changed all of a sudden?” Mudavadi posed.
He further claimed that some opposition leaders were raising concerns about the IEBC because they feared facing President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.
Mudavadi urged political parties to allow the commission to conduct its duties without interference, arguing that its administrative decisions are guided by the Constitution and electoral laws.
He specifically defended the deployment of IEBC officials across the country, saying officers should be able to serve voters regardless of the regions where they are posted.
“Kenya is one and all voters have a right to vote freely without any discrimination. All Kenyans should be served equally by this commission to exercise their democratic right,” he said.
UDA targets grassroots expansion
Mudavadi spoke at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu during a consultative meeting with UDA aspirants from Kakamega and Vihiga counties aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures in Western Kenya.
He accused some politicians of attacking the IEBC because they were concerned about complying with electoral regulations ahead of party nominations.
“We have seen politicians attacking the IEBC for the fear of compliance. They know that soon they will be a target for compliance with the electoral regulations ahead of the party nominations slated for early next year,” Mudavadi said.
He also criticised the opposition for what he described as a lack of clear policies and ideas, while announcing that UDA intends to field candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections, from the presidency to Members of County Assembly.
Mudavadi said UDA remains strong under the broad-based political arrangement and is working to expand its grassroots support ahead of the elections.
Mudavadi rallies Western Kenya behind Ruto
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said the party’s ultimate objective was to secure President Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
“We want peace and we want a free and fair election, including the victory of President William Ruto, whom we are working hard to secure his second term with an undisputed margin against the opposition,” he said.
Mudavadi also urged residents of Western Kenya to increase voter registration, arguing that the region’s numbers remained below the targets set ahead of the closure of the registration exercise.
He described Western Kenya as a vote-rich region and called on political leaders and residents to mobilise more eligible voters to register.
“We have to come out as a people and encourage voter registration across all the counties. Our numbers are not looking good and we are ranked as a vote-rich region within the electoral framework,” Mudavadi said.
The remarks come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 General Election, with the IEBC expected to play a central role in overseeing the electoral process.
