By Andrew Mbuva/Virginia Siebella
The burial of Philomena Mueni Mule, mother to Matungulu MP Stephen Mule, at Kwatombe High School in Machakos County turned into a fiery political battlefield, as opposition leaders used the platform to launch a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s recent appointment of new IEBC commissioners.
Led by National Assembly Minority Leader and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, the leaders dismissed the appointments, claiming the selected individuals are politically aligned and personally connected to high-ranking government officials.
Mbui alleged that some of those named to the electoral body are close friends and even relatives of top UDA figures. “One of the appointees is a relative and in-law of a senior cabinet secretary, while the chairperson is a known confidant of Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok. How can justice prevail when those sitting in State House are the ones given the mandate to officiate elections?” he posed.
The Wiper Party leader vowed that the opposition would challenge the appointments through all available avenues, including court action, to demand broader consultation in the selection process. Nevertheless, Mbui confidently stated that even if President Ruto named himself as IEBC chairperson, he still wouldn't win the 2027 presidential race.
Embakasi Central MP Major Ndong didn’t hold back either, branding Ruto’s regime as deceitful and tribal. He called on opposition heavyweights Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa to join forces and dethrone Ruto in the next election. Ndong also dismissed the notion that Mt. Kenya must produce a presidential candidate, adding that the region is unlikely to back Ruto in 2027.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo urged Generation Z to register en masse as voters, saying their participation is key to unseating the current regime—a call reinforced by outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
On the other side, Mwala MP and UDA National Organizing Secretary Vincent Musyoka launched a brutal attack on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, accusing him of being behind the alleged killings and dumping of bodies in River Yala during the Uhuru Kenyatta administration. Musyoka questioned how anyone could consider Matiang’i presidential material, insisting that Kalonzo Musyoka is the only credible option within the opposition.
“I’m shocked that people are praising Matiang’i—the same man responsible for dumping bodies in River Yala. Among the opposition, only Kalonzo has clean hands. The rest are a lost cause,” Musyoka said.
Meanwhile, Bomet East MP Richard Yegon stirred mixed reactions after claiming that President Ruto would remain in power for the full ten-year term. However, his remarks were met with apathy from the public, who largely ignored his appeal to accept the current government.
