KENYA: Wetang’ula to Opposition – Stop ‘Choosing the Referee’ for 2027

By Moses Punyuah,Nairobi

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has challenged the opposition to give the IEBC room to prepare for the 2027 General Election, warning against attempts to discredit the electoral body ahead of the polls.

Wetang’ula questioned the opposition’s criticism of the commission, arguing that political players can not dictate who should oversee an election.

“You cannot choose the referee for a football match,” Wetang’ula said.

He cited recent by-elections, saying Kenya Kwanza had won six of ten polls since the 2022 General Election, arguing that the opposition did not question the credibility of the IEBC when it won.

The Speaker also called on political leaders to avoid abusive language as campaigns gather momentum.

His remarks come after DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the IEBC of preparing the ground for a rigged 2027 election through an electoral technology tender allegedly tailored for South Korean firm Miru Systems.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has rejected the claims, insisting the procurement process is transparent and competitive, and that no company, including Miru Systems, has been awarded the tender.