By Eddah Waithaka
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has voiced alarm over the government’s ongoing delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), underscoring the urgent need for electoral reforms as the nation approaches critical general elections. With only three years remaining before voters head to the polls, he highlighted that the current state of the electoral system, is a troubling sign for Kenya’s democratic processes.
Speaking during the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA) regional conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kalonzo stated,”It should not surprise us to see politicians migrating to these platforms, among others, to conduct their campaigns. Whether we like it or not, they are going to be used in elections going forward. The time to get things right and ready is now.”
The opposition leader called on stakeholders to set aside their personal interests for the benefit of the nation:
“I urge those standing in the way of reconstituting IEBC to see the bigger picture. They should set aside their narrow selfish interests in preference to the greater good of the nation. Please allow us to reconstitute IEBC as soon as possible,” he noted.
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Acknowledging the rise of new technologies at the regional conference focused on AI, digital, and social media in elections in Kenya, Kalonzo emphasized that the commission must be established without delay. He argued that it is essential to begin utilizing available technologies and undertaking necessary preparations to ensure a credible election.
“IEBC, ought to conduct voter education on the technology it is going to use in the 2027 general election including the technology itself,” he added.
Further, he indicated that when utilized effectively, AI could transform electoral processes by enhancing their speed, security, and scientific verifiability. Nonetheless, he also highlighted that the associated risks are considerable.
“Badly used, AI-generated content and material have been found to close the gap between what is real and what is fake. These technologies are crucial to democratic processes and outcomes in elections,” said Kalonzo.
“When discoursing on the place of AI in elections, therefore, we must never lose focus of the need to for elections to be free and fair,” he reiterated.
The event, also saw the participation of key figures such as IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein and Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, who oversees Performance and Delivery Management, along with various leaders and partners.
