Political Parties Liaison Committee to elect new members

The Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) will next week hold elections to choose an eight-member National Steering Committee, following the clearance of candidates for various leadership positions.

In a circular dated October 26, 2025, the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, announced that the elections will take place on November 6, 2025, during the PPLC’s national meeting scheduled from November 5 to 8 at a venue to be confirmed.

“Following the conclusion of the document verification process by aspirants for the forthcoming elections of the Political Parties’ National Steering Committee, a certified list of qualified candidates has been released for your information,” the Registrar’s communication stated.

The PPLC was established under Section 38 of the Political Parties Act, 2011, as a platform for structured dialogue between political parties, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

It provides a forum for consultation on matters relating to elections, political conduct, and the overall electoral environment.

The committee’s creation followed recommendations by the Kriegler Commission after the disputed 2007 General Election, with the concept first adopted under the Nakuru Resolutions of March 2010 after discussions between the then Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), the Registrar, and political parties.

The upcoming election will fill key national leadership positions, including Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, and Deputy Organizing Secretary.

Incumbent chairperson Evans James Misati of the Progressive Party of Kenya (PPOK) will seek re-election but faces stiff competition from Christopher Kilonzo Manyaga of Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) and Augustus Kyalo Muli of the National Liberal Party (NLP).

The Deputy Chairperson position will be contested by Zahra Rashid Hillow of the Economic Freedom Party (EFP) and Joseph Kanguchu Mwangi of the United Party of Independent Alliance (UPIA).

For Secretary General, Sellah Atieno Opiyo of Mwangaza Party (MWAP) will battle Taabu Omia Wangah Daniel of Safina Party (SAFINA), while John Muchoki Mbuthia of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) faces Moses Gachugi Wanjiru of the Kenya Moja Movement Party (KMM) for Deputy Secretary General.

The Treasurer’s position has attracted four candidates — Cinderella Nekesa of the Entrust Pioneer Party (EPP), Gerson Olang Owiti of the Alternative Leadership Party of Kenya (ALPK), Brown Munyoroku Kariuki of The Service Party (TSP), and Ngunga Benson Milai from the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF).

For Deputy Treasurer, Karen Eva Ndindi Mutuku of National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) will face Philippe Opiyo Sadjah from Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU).

Andrew Kamau Njoroge of the Thirdway Alliance (TAKE) has been declared unopposed and will automatically assume the position of Organizing Secretary. Meanwhile, Isaiah Gichu Ndirangu of the Party of Democratic Unity (PDU) will square off with Beatrice Nyawira Wambugu of the Ubuntu Peoples Forum (UPF) for Deputy Organizing Secretary.

The PPLC elections come just months after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon met with the committee’s leadership, led by Misati, in August 2025.

During the meeting, Ethekon announced the appointment of Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit to oversee the Commission’s engagements with political parties through the PPLC.

“Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that our engagements with political parties remain structured, responsive, and aligned with our broader electoral objectives,” Ethekon said.

The PPLC’s new leadership is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening coordination between political parties and electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.