Leaders allied with the United Opposition have criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing the electoral agency of leaving them out of recent consultations held as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
The opposition figures said excluding major political players from discussions concerning the country's electoral process raises questions about whether the commission is engaging all stakeholders fairly.
Their concerns were raised on Friday in Kibwezi West during the burial of the late Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, husband of Kibwezi East Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu.
Among those attending the ceremony were Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Although the gathering was primarily held to mourn the former judge, several opposition politicians used the occasion to address national issues, including governance, constitutionalism, security and preparations for the next election.
The leaders pledged to continue pushing for what they described as greater respect for Kenya's Constitution and the rule of law.
Kalonzo criticised what he portrayed as a return to major government decisions being announced without sufficient consultation or adherence to established legal procedures.
His remarks touched on the government's position regarding Tata Chemicals and soda ash mining operations in Magadi, Kajiado County. He argued that significant decisions affecting investors, communities and national resources should be handled through proper legal and institutional processes rather than political declarations.
The opposition leaders also raised concerns about reported cases of abductions and the treatment of protesters.
They argued that state institutions have a responsibility to protect citizens and uphold constitutional rights regardless of political differences.
Wamalwa said recent incidents had increased concerns about the country's commitment to constitutional protections. He referred to reports involving the alleged abduction of an individual associated with Standard Group as well as incidents in which demonstrators were confronted with tear gas.
According to Wamalwa, no individual holding public office, including the President, should be considered above the law. He said Kenya should remain firmly governed by constitutional principles.
The opposition's criticism also focused heavily on IEBC.
Muturi questioned why prominent opposition representatives were reportedly absent from a recent stakeholders' meeting organised by the electoral commission.
He argued that IEBC's independence requires it to engage political actors across the country's political divide rather than appearing to favour one side.
Muturi said the commission should demonstrate the independence represented by the first letter of its name through its conduct and decision-making.
He questioned how an electoral institution preparing to oversee a highly competitive national election could hold important engagements without inviting figures such as Kalonzo and other opposition representatives.
The former Attorney General suggested that such actions risk creating perceptions that the electoral body is operating too closely with the Executive rather than functioning as an autonomous constitutional commission.
With the 2027 election approaching, the opposition leaders maintained that confidence in IEBC would depend heavily on whether its preparations are viewed as transparent, inclusive and impartial.
DCP Secretary-General John Methu also responded to President William Ruto's frequent criticism of the opposition's political agenda.
Methu said opposition parties would continue developing their own strategy and challenged the President to concentrate on implementing the government's programme.
Despite the political statements made during the gathering, the leaders also paid tribute to Justice Mutava.
They praised his contribution to Kenya's legal profession and acknowledged his service in the administration of justice.
Elsewhere, People's Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro delivered a similar political message while speaking in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
Nyoro urged voters to reject the Kenya Kwanza administration during the 2027 General Election.
He also weighed in on the debate surrounding investors operating in Kenya, including Tata Chemicals.
Nyoro argued that companies investing significant resources in the country should be treated fairly and protected from unnecessary political interference.
He said Kenya needs investment to support economic growth and employment and therefore should provide investors with a predictable and respectful operating environment.
The remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls, with opposition parties seeking to build a coalition capable of challenging President Ruto's bid for another term.
United Opposition leaders said they intend to maintain their political campaign and ultimately seek to defeat Ruto through the ballot.
At the same time, they indicated that electoral reforms, constitutional governance and the independence of institutions such as IEBC would remain central issues in their campaign.
The opposition figures maintained that all political players should have an opportunity to participate in discussions concerning preparations for the election.
They argued that broad consultation would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and reduce disputes over how the election is organised.
As Kenya moves closer to the next General Election, the conduct of IEBC and relations between the government and opposition are expected to remain major subjects of political debate.