The United Opposition has announced plans to launch a new parallel electoral watchdog known as the “People’s IEBC” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This move, described by the opposition as necessary, is aimed at protecting the vote from what they say is a well-planned rigging scheme by the Kenya Kwanza government.
Martha Karua, the leader of the NARC-Kenya party under the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), revealed the plan on July 23 during a public event.
She explained that the new body will not just monitor the voting day itself but will track the entire election process from the beginning.
Karua drew comparisons between the upcoming election and the landmark 2002 transition that saw the end of KANU’s long rule.
She said Kenya is again approaching a turning point and urged citizens to be ready and register in large numbers.
According to her, elections are not one-day events. They are long processes that can be manipulated at different stages, from voter registration to tallying.
She said that the People’s IEBC will issue real-time alerts and identify any suspicious activity long before results are announced.
The opposition believes this initiative is protected under the constitution, which supports multiparty democracy and public oversight.
Karua explained that the People’s IEBC will not attempt to replace the official IEBC. Instead, it will act as an accountability platform led by citizens to ensure transparency.
The group will work independently, gathering evidence, highlighting concerns, and ensuring that any signs of fraud are addressed immediately.
Karua’s announcement comes amid growing public concerns following recent statements by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow. Jehow shocked many Kenyans when she publicly said that MPs from her region were ready to steal votes to ensure Ruto’s re-election.
Her remarks were widely condemned, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi calling them careless and not reflective of government policy.
However, Karua and others in the opposition view the comments as proof of a larger plan to rig the election.
Karua stated that such casual mentions of vote theft by allies of the president point to a mindset that must be challenged.
She said Kenyans should not sit back and wait for another stolen election but must act now.
Her distrust of the current IEBC under Chair Erastus Ethekon remains firm. She believes the People’s IEBC will give Kenyans a chance to monitor their vote and prevent manipulation at all levels.
The official unveiling of the People’s IEBC is expected soon. This move is likely to bring tension ahead of 2027, as it signals that the next election will be more than just a vote.
It will be a serious test of Kenya’s democracy.
