Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, the Minority Coalition representative to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, has addressed the controversy surrounding his election and the subsequent legal disputes.
Speaking from Maendeleo House in Nairobi, Dr. Muli reaffirmed the transparency and fairness of the election held on July 26, 2024, during a Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) meeting at Kyaka Hotel, Machakos. He defeated Dr. Koki Muli, the Wiper Party candidate, by a decisive margin of 16 votes to 7. The results were duly forwarded to the Parliamentary Service Commission for transmission to the President.
Despite the democratic process, sections of the Azimio Coalition, led by Wiper Party officials, disputed his nomination, citing procedural technicalities rather than electoral misconduct. The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) later upheld Dr. Muli’s election on September 10, 2024, confirming that the process was legitimate. However, the Wiper Party escalated the matter to the High Court.
The High Court acknowledged Dr. Muli’s fair victory but ruled that he had contested under an incorrect category, directing compensation instead of affirming his position. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Dr. Muli appealed to the Court of Appeal, where the case is currently under review.
In his statement, Dr. Muli expressed concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the reconstitution process for personal and political gain. He urged all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to conclude without interference.
“It is unacceptable for a clear electoral victory to be undermined by procedural technicalities, especially when no foul play was alleged,” Dr. Muli said. “I categorically reject actions that compromise accountability and democracy in the IEBC reconstitution process. The trust placed in me by the Azimio Coalition and the broader public is a responsibility I take with utmost seriousness.”
Dr. Muli further called on the Wiper Party and its supporters to respect democratic principles and allow justice to prevail. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions and ensuring that the IEBC selection panel reflects the will of all Kenyans.
“As a nation, we must uphold transparency, fairness, and justice,” he concluded. “The reconstitution of the IEBC must serve the best interests of all citizens, free from political interference.”
The Court of Appeal’s decision is now awaited, with the hope that it will provide clarity and uphold democratic values.
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