ODM leader Raila Odinga during an interview on Sunday, July 20, 2025./SCREENGRAB
Opposition chief Raila Odinga has called for sweeping reforms to Kenya’s electoral system, accusing it of fueling a culture of corruption and inequality.
Speaking on Sunday, during an interview on NTV, Odinga criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying its procurement-heavy operations have turned voter registration into a lucrative racket.
“The system is bloated to enable looting,” Odinga charged, urging the abolition of the current voter register and advocating for the use of national ID cards as the sole requirement to cast a ballot.
“Why are Kenyan elections among the most expensive in the world? It’s not rocket science. If you have an ID, you should vote. There are areas where people don’t have voter cards, and this skews the register,” he said.
He argued that requiring separate voter cards disenfranchises many, particularly in underserved regions.
Odinga also questioned why Kenyan elections rank among the most expensive globally, noting that the high costs reflect a deeply flawed structure designed for exploitation rather than service.
To address these inefficiencies, he proposed staggering elections rather than holding six races—presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, MP, Woman Rep, and MCA—on a single day.
“The way we conduct elections creates confusion and drives up costs. It’s time for a radical rethink,” he said, positioning his party as a champion of leaner, fairer electoral processes.
He further urged the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, to restore public confidence in the institution.
Years of disputed results, Odinga warned, have left many Kenyans sceptical about the credibility of the electoral process.
“There’s been a lot of reckless talk lately about vote rigging in 2027,” Odinga said, condemning political rhetoric that he believes erodes trust in democratic institutions.
He emphasised that his political record is often misunderstood.
“I’ve only lost once, in 1997. Kenyans know what happened. History will vindicate us.”
The veteran leader’s comments come as the country prepares for potential realignments ahead of the next general election, with reform advocates rallying around calls to demystify Kenya’s political machinery.
