The National Liberal Party (NLP) has launched a scathing attack on opposition leaders over their criticism of the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel. NLP leader Augustus Kyalo Muli dismissed the opposition’s claims as hypocritical and politically motivated, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the process for their own interests.
According to Muli, the same opposition leaders now decrying bias were instrumental in pushing for their preferred candidates in last year’s IEBC selection process. He labeled their latest objections as a desperate attempt to control the electoral body by creating unnecessary political drama.
“These opposition figures are the very same people who lobbied aggressively to have their allies included in the IEBC panel. Now that they have lost grip on the process, they are crying foul. It is nothing but a selfish, politically motivated tantrum,” Muli charged.
He further accused opposition figures led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa of undermining the credibility of the selection process to advance their political agenda. Muli insisted that the process remains legal and transparent, dismissing opposition concerns as baseless propaganda.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to hold the country hostage simply because they no longer have the power to dictate terms. The IEBC selection must be free from political interference, and that is exactly what is happening now,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the opposition has threatened mass action if the panel’s composition is not reviewed, further escalating political tensions. However, NLP maintains that their complaints are unwarranted and should be ignored, calling on Kenyans to reject what it termed as the opposition’s “self-serving theatrics.”
Muli further accused Kalonzo, Karua, and Wamalwa of double standards, stating that their statements were nothing more than a continuation of self-serving political games. He reminded Kenyans that NLP had fought in court for eight months seeking a fair and independent selection process—while the same opposition leaders remained silent.
This latest war of words exposes the deep mistrust between government-affiliated parties and the opposition regarding the management of electoral affairs. The IEBC selection process has historically been a battleground for Kenya’s political class, each side seeking to control the electoral body ahead of future elections.
However, the NLP has warned against any attempts by either side to manipulate the process, declaring that Kenyans—especially the youth and marginalized communities—are watching closely.
