Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has stirred political tensions in Kenya with his provocative remarks aimed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The comments follow President William Ruto’s appointment of a nine-member panel tasked with selecting new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a gazette notice issued Monday, January 27, 2025, President Ruto named the panelists charged with reconstituting the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointees include Kiome Lindah Gakii, communication specialist Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda, and Fatuma Saman.
This development marks a significant step in rebuilding the IEBC, which has faced criticism and controversies over its credibility in past elections.
With these appointments, Ruto seeks to reshape the institution central to the country’s democracy.
However, not all political figures welcomed the move without controversy.
Barasa, an outspoken ally of President Ruto, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to ridicule Gachagua and Kalonzo.
“Omwami @skmusyoka and @rigathi mtajificha wapi? Vitina [pettiness] will never drive this country to prosperity! Smell the coffee 🔥🎤,” Barasa wrote.
The phrase “mtajificha wapi” (“where will you hide?”) was interpreted as a jab at the two leaders’ political maneuvers, particularly their opposition to Ruto’s administration.
Barasa’s remarks reflect growing tensions within political landscape as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Political divide over IEBC
The composition of the selection panel has reignited debate about impartiality and political influence in the IEBC.
Gachagua and Kalonzo have been vocal critics of Ruto’s government, with concerns that his administration seeks to dominate key institutions ahead of the next election.
The IEBC has historically been a lightning rod for controversy, with disputes over its independence and the credibility of its election results often leading to political unrest.
Both Gachagua and Kalonzo have called for transparency and inclusivity in the selection process, accusing the administration of sidelining opposition voices.
Kalonzo, Gachagua and other opposition leaders strongly condemned the government for failing to reconstitute the IEBC in time [before today].
Gachagua in December 2024 called for the speedy reconstitution of the electoral body, warning that delays could compromise the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Speaking at an event in Kasarani, Nairobi, Gachagua called out the government for failing to prioritize the establishment of the electoral body.
“An election is as credible as the process. The Krigler report emphasized that the electoral commission must be in place three years before the elections. We have two and a half years left, yet there is no IEBC in place. People can read mischief,” Gachagua said.
On his part, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka threatened to lead nationwide demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza government if President Ruto failed to reconstitute IEBC panel by March 2025.
Speaking during a thanksgiving event for Wiper nominated MCA Catherine Kyee in Machakos County on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Kalonzo expressed displeasure with the government’s readiness to constitute the electoral body.
“If the IEBC has not been reconstituted by March next year, I will lead Maandamano demonstrations against this disastrous KK regime. We will send Zakayo home,” the Wiper leader said.
Activist-turned-politician Morara Kebaso, who is eying the presidential seat, also expressed his readiness to lead street protests against the lack of a functioning IEBC.
In a statement in December 2024, Morara called on Kenyans to join him in demanding action to address the state of the electoral body.
