Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has stated that the United Opposition will file a formal petition to challenge alleged interference in the Mbeere North and Malava by-elections, levelling a direct accusation against President William Ruto.
Speaking on Sunday, November 30, in Machakos County, Kalonzo claimed they possessed evidence that President William Ruto had personally called a local police commander in Mbeere North to influence the result in favour of UDA candidate Leo Wamuthende.
Kalonzo termed the alleged act by the president and senior government officials an act of state interference.
“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,” he continued.
In the petition, the Wiper leader claimed that they would name specific Cabinet Secretaries and public servants who, he alleged, had allegedly misused their positions and engaged in misconduct.
Kalonzo also said that instances where the opposition leaders were teargassed and confronted by police will also be included in the petition.
He also emphasised that the petition would be earnest and aimed at exposing those whom he said had betrayed Kenyans.
His statement follows the conclusion of the November 27 by-elections, during which government officials and several Cabinet Secretaries openly campaigned for the ruling party candidates, with some stating that they had interests in the polls and that the law allowed them to participate 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,” said Geofrey Ruku, cs for public service, at an interview on November 10.
The Wiper leader also dismissed claims that the opposition lacks a substantive agenda, reiterating its position on affordable housing and opposition to what he called overtaxation.
Kalonzo also congratulated the Machakos Governor and county leadership for the party's success in the local polls, noting the absolute win by Mumbuni North MCA-elect Antony Kasai on a Wiper Party ticket.
