From left: Democratic party of Kenya Party leader Justin Muturi, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee Party Deputy party leader Fred Matiang'I, People's Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua and Democratic Action Party-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa during the National Delegates Conference for Democratic Party at Ufungamano House, Nairobi on January 28, 2026. Lucy Wanjiru | Nation
The united opposition is threatening to hold nationwide protests if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fails to address concerns raised in recent months over the conduct of the last by-elections.
Speaking after meeting IEBC officials at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi on Wednesday, opposition party leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i and Rigathi Gachagua said the commission had demonstrated a lack of independence and an inability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections, as the country prepares for next year’s general election.
Among the issues raised by the opposition are incidents of violence witnessed during several by-elections held in November last year, including those in Mbeere North and Malava constituencies. They also questioned the awarding of the Smartmatic contract, citing allegations that the Venezuelan electoral systems could be manipulated, as well as the alleged prolonged tenure of IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan.
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