The National Liberal Party (NLP) has launched a scathing attack on the Wiper Democratic Movement, accusing the Kalonzo-led outfit of attempting to “kill multiparty democracy” through coercion, deception, and outright political bullying in the Mumbuni North Ward by-election.
In an unusually fiery statement released on Saturday, NLP blasted Wiper for parading the party’s duly nominated candidate, Calweathers (Mutisya wa Ngai), and falsely announcing that he had withdrawn from the race—claims that NLP flatly dismissed as “lies born in a backroom full of political mischief.”
According to NLP Party Leader Augustus Muli, the party’s candidate remains firmly on the ballot, has NOT resigned, and will not be forced out by what he called “the arrogance of big-party politics.”
“It is malicious, deceptive, and politically dishonourable for Wiper leaders to announce our candidate’s withdrawal without a single consultation,” NLP charged.
“This behaviour confirms a dangerous trend — bigger parties trying to silence smaller parties through bribery, coercion, and humiliation.”
“If Wiper can’t respect a ward election, how will they honour national coalitions?”
NLP warned that the conduct displayed by Wiper raises serious questions about the integrity of future coalition arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“If the Wiper leadership cannot respectfully engage us in a simple ward by-election, why should Kenyans believe they will honour coalition agreements in 2027 under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka?” the statement posed.
The party accused Wiper of running a covert intimidation campaign aimed at forcing smaller political players out of the race to secure an easy victory — a move NLP says is an attack on the constitutionally protected multiparty system.
Refusing to Bow Down: ‘We Will Not Be Bullied’
In its strongly-worded rebuttal, NLP declared that it will not be reduced to a junior passenger in Kenya’s democratic space.
“A political party must be respected. NLP will not be bullied, cornered, or intimidated into silence,” Muli said.
The party vowed to defend its rights under the Political Parties Act and insisted that political competition must remain fair, transparent, and free of backdoor dealings.
Options on the Table: Campaign On — or Back a Different Candidate
In a strategic twist, the party announced that it is open to either intensifying its campaign in Mumbuni North or rallying its supporters behind another “deserving candidate who respects democratic values.”
A decision, they say, will be guided by what best safeguards dignity, multiparty democracy, and public trust.
A Warning Shot to Political Big Brothers
NLP’s message was unmistakable: Kenya’s political future cannot be built on intimidation, secret deals, or the undermining of smaller players.
“Democracy is bigger than any individual candidate or party. Respect for that principle is non-negotiable.”
As the Mumbuni North contest heats up, Wiper now finds itself on the defensive — accused of violating the very democratic ideals it publicly champions.
