Shadrack Nyakoe
By Njeri Irungu
The People’s Loyal Coalition has issued a strong statement from the Nairobi Serena Hotel, raising urgent concerns over two key issues: the ongoing recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) leadership and the early, allegedly illegal campaigns by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) alliance.
The coalition expressed deep concern that the government is attempting to manipulate the IEBC selection process to ensure a biased electoral body ahead of the next General Election. They argue that the shortlisting of candidates has deliberately excluded qualified individuals while favoring those with ties to UDA and ODM. Among those named was Joy Midivo, the chairperson of UDA’s Internal Dispute Resolution Committee, whose inclusion the coalition claims violates constitutional provisions barring active political operatives from serving as IEBC commissioners. The statement also questioned the presence of President Ruto’s personal lawyer in the shortlist, citing potential conflicts of interest.
Further allegations were made against the National Intelligence Service (NIS), accusing it of undue influence in the recruitment process. The coalition demanded full transparency from the IEBC Selection Panel and insisted that any final appointments be made through a consultative process involving both government and opposition leaders to ensure fairness.
On the issue of early campaigning, the coalition condemned recent UDA-ODM rallies, particularly in Nairobi, where supporters were accused of violent disruptions, including robberies carried out under police protection. The statement criticized the use of public resources to fund these campaigns and dismissed promises made by the alliance as desperate attempts to regain public trust.
Additionally, the coalition rejected the Nairobi City County Government’s recent declaration of the Nairobi River Corridor as a Special Planning Area, arguing that it unlawfully targets private property and bypasses the constitutional mandate of the National Land Commission. They warned that this move could have significant political and demographic consequences for the city and vowed to challenge it legally.
The statement concluded with a call for vigilance, urging Kenyans to resist any attempts to undermine electoral integrity. “We will not allow this regime to steal another election,” the coalition declared, reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic principles through legal and civic action.
