The National Liberal Party leader Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the recent nomination of seven individuals to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), cautioning that the process appears politically compromised from both sides of the divide.
According to Dr. Muli, claims that five out of the seven nominees may have ties to either President William Ruto or ODM leader Raila Odinga are credible and cannot be dismissed lightly. However, he was quick to point out that both political camps are equally guilty, asserting that the problem started long before the current names were announced.
“The rot began during the formation of the selection panel. My name was dropped from the shortlist without explanation, which was a clear sign that the process was already skewed,” he stated.
He dismissed any attempts by leaders allied to either coalition to present themselves as victims or whistleblowers in the ongoing debate.
“No one is clean in this matter. You cannot point fingers when your hands are just as dirty,” Dr. Muli remarked, blaming both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio for manipulating the process for political gain.
Despite the controversy, Muli urged Kenyans not to give up on the electoral process. He emphasized that the ultimate power rests with the voters and encouraged them to participate in the 2027 polls with vigilance and patriotism.
“Let the 2027 election be different. Let Kenyans turn up in large numbers, make their voices count, and protect the Constitution through their vote,” he said.
The seven nominees led by chairperson-designate Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County are set to be vetted by Parliament in the coming weeks. If approved, they will fill a commission that has remained vacant since the exit of former Chair Wafula Chebukati and his team in early 2023.
The growing tension now places Parliament under intense scrutiny as Kenyans watch to see whether the vetting process will address concerns of political interference or further deepen public mistrust in the electoral system.
