Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli has come forward with allegations that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is behind attempts to derail the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by influencing the Azimio coalition’s nomination process. Speaking out against what he described as political interference and personal vendettas, Dr. Muli accused Musyoka of prioritizing his political interests over the democratic principles that should guide this critical national process.
The controversy stems from the July 26, 2024, election of Azimio’s representative to the IEBC selection panel. Held at Kyaka Hotel in Machakos, the election saw Dr. Muli defeat Wiper candidate Dr. Koki Muli by a decisive margin of 16 votes to 7. Despite the transparent and undisputed nature of the process, factions within Azimio, allegedly under Kalonzo Musyoka’s influence, rejected Dr. Muli’s nomination.
Following the election, the results were submitted to the Parliamentary Service Commission. However, resistance from the Wiper camp prompted Dr. Muli to seek intervention from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT), which upheld his victory on September 10, 2024. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Wiper escalated the matter to the High Court, citing procedural errors in Dr. Muli’s categorization.
“The High Court acknowledged that I won the election fairly but flagged technicalities to justify their opposition. This is a clear case of political manipulation aimed at undermining the will of the voters,” Dr. Muli said.
The matter is now before the Court of Appeal, with Dr. Muli expressing confidence that justice will prevail. He accused Kalonzo Musyoka and the Wiper leadership of slowing down the reconstitution process through endless legal challenges and political scheming.
Dr. Muli criticized Kalonzo Musyoka for what he termed as “Double Standards” in championing democratic ideals while engaging in actions that contradict those very principles. He urged Musyoka to respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to conclude without further interference.
“The reconstitution of the IEBC is a matter of national importance. It is not a platform for political posturing or personal grudges. We must rise above such pettiness and focus on what is best for Kenya,” Dr. Muli stated.
Dr. Muli warned that continued delays and political wrangling could undermine public trust in the IEBC and the broader electoral process. He called on the Azimio coalition to unite and ensure that the selection panel reflects the diversity and integrity required to oversee free, fair, and credible elections.
“The trust placed in me by the coalition and the public is not just a personal honor—it is a responsibility to uphold transparency and accountability in this process. I will not let political games compromise this mission,” he said.
As the Court of Appeal prepares to deliberate on the matter, all eyes are on Azimio’s leadership to see whether they will prioritize the country’s democratic values over internal politics. Dr. Muli’s revelations have cast a spotlight on the need for reforms not just in the electoral system but also in the conduct of political leaders tasked with safeguarding it.
Dr. Muli remains resolute, urging Kenyans to stay vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders in this critical process.
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