Azimio barred from forwarding nominee to IEBC selection panel

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal has barred Azimio Coalition from forwarding the name of Koki Muli for appointment to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.

The tribunal's vice chairperson Wilfred Mutuba prohibited Azimio from forwarding the name of Muli to President William Ruto, until a case filed by Augustus Muli is heard and determined.

"Pending the hearing and determination of the applicants inter-parties hearing of the application, Azimio la Umoja coalition is prohibited from forwarding the name of Koki to the President for appointment at the selection panel," Wambua ordered. 

Muli who is National Liberal Party (NLP) leader, has accused Azimio of replacing his name with that of Koki.

He contends that his candidacy in the selection panel was voted by the constituent parties in an election that was presided over by IEBC officials.

"Azimio conducted elections on July 26, 2024 at Kyaka Hotel in Machakos county for purposes of electing its representatives and the applicant participated as a candidate for the election under a representative from the minority party or coalition of parties," reads the court papers.

From the elections, the candidates were declared elected and consequently nominated under the three clusters, Evans Misati James (Non Parliamentary political parties) Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore (Majority coalition) and Augustus Kyalo Muli (Minority coalition)

According to the petitioner, his name was forwarded by the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) to the panel after the lawful and procedural process.

In the court papers the claimant accused Azimio Secretary General Junet Mohamed and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka of short-changing and hijacking the PPLC mandate to second the name of Koki.

NLP leader appealed for speedy intervention by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and the court to reign on the matter.

President William Ruto is expected to gazette the names of the selection panel members to kick start the process of hiring electoral commissioners.