Kalonzo gives parallel State of the Nation Address

Wiper Party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday delivered a parallel State of the Nation Address, warning that Kenya’s democracy faces serious challenges ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections and the 2027 General Election.

Addressing Kenyans directly, Mr Kalonzo said the United Opposition is proud of young Kenyans for rising peacefully against mismanagement.

“Our youth were loud and clear: accountability, transparency, and dignity were the bare minimum acceptable standards from those entrusted with leadership roles,” he said.

The former Vice President focused on the integrity of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which he said has yet to fully earn the trust of the public.

“For many years, the IEBC has struggled to earn the trust of Kenyans. The Commission must now roll up its sleeves and prove its independence. It must work with honesty and transparency, so that every Kenyan can see that it serves the people, not the interests of the Executive or any political administration,” he said.

Mr Musyoka raised specific concerns about voter registration. He criticised the introduction of iris-scanning, saying it was rolled out without adequate public engagement and may discourage participation.

“From what we hear across the country, this new system may actually be putting people off from registering. Worse still, it has created a voter register with two different standards, some with iris data, some without, raising real questions about fairness and consistency,” he said.

He also condemned limiting registration to constituency offices during working hours.

“Workers, teachers, students, and young people simply cannot access these services in such a short window. Registration must be available on all days of the week, at the ward level, not just the constituency level,” Mr Kalonzo emphasised.

Beyond registration, Mr Kalonzo warned against abuse of state resources during the by-electioneering period, naming several senior officials.

“Such conduct erodes public trust, undermines the fairness of our electoral process, and violates the fundamental principles of accountability, neutrality, and integrity that are the hallmark of public service,” he said.

Mr Kalonzo also denounced reports that voters were being instructed to photograph ballots in exchange for cash, calling the practice “a brazen attack on the very soul of our democracy… an attempt to buy not just votes, but the conscience of our people.”

He commended the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee for taking action in Kasipul, fining individuals responsible for election-related violence.

However, he stressed that security deployments in some areas amounted to voter intimidation and must be corrected.

“Our nation stands at a crossroads and we must demand integrity, transparency, and accountability in every institution, especially in those entrusted with safeguarding our democracy. Our youth have shown us the path and they have reminded us that courage and moral clarity can reclaim the soul of a nation. Let us heed that call,” Mr Kalonzo said.