Kalonzo, Wamalwa Call for IEBC Reforms, Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027

By Maurice Momanyi

Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for urgent reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kalonzo spoke on Monday during National Prayers organised by the Kenya Clergy Alliance in conjunction with the Kitui County Clergy Leadership at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute in Kitui County.

The event brought together senior opposition leaders, including DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader JB Muturi.

The leaders raised concerns over the electoral technology being used by the IEBC, particularly the Smartmatic system, whose contract they said had expired.

They warned against any attempt to reintroduce the system under a different name, insisting that electoral reforms must be transparent and undertaken well ahead of the 2027 polls.

Wamalwa, meanwhile, urged opposition leaders to avoid attacking one another, warning that internal divisions could weaken their ability to mount a strong challenge in the next election.

He called for greater unity among opposition parties, saying leaders should focus on issues that affect Kenyans rather than engaging in internal political battles.

Kalonzo also reaffirmed Azimio la Umoja’s position that the opposition should consolidate existing political formations instead of embarking on the registration of a new coalition party.

He said there was insufficient time to register a new coalition party ahead of the 2027 elections, urging opposition leaders to focus on strengthening and consolidating existing structures.

The Wiper leader further highlighted the growing challenge of unemployment among young Kenyans, saying many youths had lost hope due to a lack of economic opportunities.

He called for urgent and practical interventions to create jobs, expand opportunities and restore dignity and livelihoods among the country’s youth.

The leaders’ remarks come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with opposition formations seeking to build a united front while pushing for electoral and institutional reforms.