When Augustus Kyalo Muli, the relatively unknown leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP), won a position to represent the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) on the IEBC selection panel, few could have predicted the fierce rivalry that would emerge with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

In a decisive victory, Muli defeated Wiper’s Ambassador Dr. Koki Muli by 16 votes to 7 a win that not only challenged Kalonzo’s hold on the Azimio leadership but also disrupted his dominance over the Ukambani vote. With each legal triumph, Muli’s political profile has steadily risen, and so has the intensity of the rivalry.

The question now on many Kenyans’ minds is: Why is Wiper so determined to block Dr. Augustus Muli from representing Azimio on the IEBC selection panel?

Before the July PPLC elections, Augustus Muli was relatively unknown outside Kitui County. Yet, Wiper’s rejection of his nomination has thrust him into the national spotlight, sparking both public interest and political controversy.

Kenya now finds itself in a critical situation without a fully constituted IEBC commission. Should a crisis occur, such as a threat to the President’s health, the country risks plunging into uncharted territory.

It is time to shift the narrative. Rather than solely blaming the President for the absence of a functioning IEBC commission, Kenyans must focus on addressing the root cause of the crisis.

Kalonzo Musyoka has been candid in expressing his preference for a partisan IEBC, insisting on Dr. Koki Muli’s inclusion on the selection panel in order to secure a commissioner who aligns with his personal and political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

In contrast, Dr. Augustus Muli, a staunch independent thinker, refuses to bend to Kalonzo’s demands. His refusal to be swayed by partisan pressures makes him an unacceptable candidate for the Wiper leader, even if his victory is upheld by the Supreme Court.

The need for a swift resolution to this standoff has never been more urgent. Kenyans must unite to demand the prompt constitution of an impartial IEBC commission that serves the interests of the nation, not any single political faction.

This issue is no longer just about Augustus Muli, Koki Muli, or Kalonzo Musyoka.
It is about the future of Kenya.