Opposition to File Petition Citing Claims of State Involvement in Mbeere North, Malava Polls
Machakos, Kenya – Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced that the United Opposition will file a formal petition challenging alleged state interference in the recently concluded Mbeere North and Malava by-elections. The opposition leader directly accused President William Ruto of influencing the outcome in favour of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates.
Speaking on Sunday, November 30, in Machakos County, Kalonzo claimed that the opposition had evidence showing that President Ruto personally contacted a local police commander in Mbeere North to sway results in favour of UDA candidate Leo Wamuthende. He described the alleged actions as a violation of democratic principles and an example of state overreach.
“William Ruto knows that UDA did not win in Mbeere and UDA did not win in Malava,” Kalonzo said. “We are going to come up with a very serious approach to this thing. We are going to petition, and we will clearly indicate which ministers participated at that level. You cannot be a public officer and engage in actions that harm citizens. Kenyans know who betrayed them.”
Petition Details
Kalonzo revealed that the petition would name specific Cabinet Secretaries and public servants accused of misusing their positions during the by-elections. He added that the document would also highlight incidents where opposition leaders were teargassed and confronted by police while campaigning.
“This petition will be earnest and aimed at exposing those who betrayed Kenyans. We cannot allow state machinery to be used to undermine democracy,” he emphasised.
Government Officials in Campaigns
The announcement follows the November 27 by-elections, during which several government officials and Cabinet Secretaries openly campaigned for UDA candidates. Some defended their involvement, arguing that the law permitted them to participate in political activities.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, speaking earlier on November 10, acknowledged his active role in the campaigns.
“I am very interested in the Mbeere North by-election because the people of Mbeere North and the entire area know what we need. I have been engaged in the campaigns. The law allows CS and CECs to involve themselves in politics,” Ruku said.
Opposition Agenda
Kalonzo dismissed claims that the opposition lacked a substantive agenda, reiterating its focus on affordable housing and opposition to what he described as excessive taxation. He argued that the opposition’s role was to defend ordinary citizens against policies that burdened them economically.
He also congratulated Machakos Governor and county leadership for Wiper’s success in the local polls, noting the victory of Mumbuni North MCA-elect Antony Kasai on a Wiper Party ticket.
“Our success in Machakos shows that Kenyans still believe in our vision. We will continue to fight for fairness and development,” Kalonzo said.
Conclusion
The opposition’s planned petition signals escalating political tensions following the by-elections in Mbeere North and Malava. While government officials maintain that their participation in campaigns was lawful, the opposition insists that state involvement compromised the integrity of the polls.
As the petition is prepared, the dispute is expected to intensify debate over the role of public officers in elections and the broader question of fairness in Kenya’s democratic process.
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Opposition to File Petition Citing Claims of State Involvement in Mbeere North, Malava Polls
