A coalition of over 50 political parties has issued a blistering critique of the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing it of sidelining them and being potentially complicit in a “diabolical plot” to deregister parties on flimsy grounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement delivered by Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, the Interim Chairman of the Political Parties Caucus and leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP) after a major retreat of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) held in Athi River over the weekend.
Dr. Muli highlighted the current tensions within the historical context of the PPLC, a body recommended by the 2009 Kriegler Commission to prevent a repeat of the 2007 post-election violence. He stated its core mission is to champion free and fair elections through structured dialogue.
“It is based on these aims and objectives that over 50 political parties have met to dialogue and make suggestions on the way forward as political parties,” Dr. Muli stated.
Dr. Muli added, “Our political parties are here to stay. We shall not be cowed, and we urge Kenyans to remain equally vigilant.”
While expressing gratitude that Kenya finally has a duly constituted IEBC, Dr. Muli conveyed the caucus’s deep concern. “We are alarmed by the attitude the Commission has adopted towards political parties,” he said, speaking for the group.
He detailed that the IEBC has engaged with churches, embassies, and NGOs while, in the caucus’s view, “stubbornly refusing” to meet its principal stakeholders,the political parties.
Dr. Muli also accused the ORPP of plotting to weaken multi-partyism. “We are aware of a diabolical plot to deregister a number of political parties before the next general election on flimsy grounds,” he stated, claiming the scheme is in “high gear” and that the IEBC may be “aware of, or even complicit in, it.”
“Perhaps this explains their refusal to engage with political parties. After all, what is the point of engaging with those you have already marked for elimination?” he questioned on behalf of the coalition.
In a passionate defence of democracy, the caucus spokesman reminded the nation that multi-partyism “was paid for in full by Kenyan blood. And it must be defended, and we as political parties shall defend it to the bitter end.”
The caucus has also made a resolution to form a united front. “As forces outside the political system conspire to destroy political parties… these political parties have today resolved to work together, and to help each other,” he declared.
This comes after the caucus earlier in the week highlighted the financial distress of 54 parties “starved of funds,” struggling to maintain operations and vowed to engage Parliament in a petition president last week vowing, “to stand with each other and protect each other.”
The strong language from the large coalition signals a potentially contentious and adversarial relationship with Kenya’s electoral bodies as the country begins the long march toward the 2027 elections.
