The Kenya opposition coalition has called for a protest today after the removal of four commissioners from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission – Photo: Twitter/@TheOMDParty

Kenya’s opposition coalition, Azimio la Umoja-One, plans to stage a protest today in Nairobi.

The planned protest comes in response to Kenyan President William Ruto’s removal of four commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The commissioners were suspended following their rejection of the August 9 presidential elections result, citing evidence of voter fraud. Ruto received 50.49 percent of votes cast in the election, beating Raila Odinga who secured 48.85 percent. Kenya’s Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s election, rejecting the arguments of the four commissioners, and the East African Community, which observed the vote, said that the elections were carried out in an efficient and transparent manner.

President-elect William Ruto has stated that the government will not interfere with the planned protests in support of peaceful efforts at promoting good governance but will “ruthlessly” deal with individuals planning chaos.

Although the protests are intended to be peaceful, supporters of Ruto may attempt to break up the demonstrations, leading to clashes between opposing groups.  Continued tensions between the opposition and Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza, are unlikely to create major roadblocks to Ruto’s electoral objectives, as both the speaker of the Senate and the National Assembly are both aligned with President Ruto.