Controversial Ex-IEBC Commissioner Margaret Wanjala Mwachanya Eyes NPSC Chair Amid Scandals

Margaret Wanjala Mwachanya, a former commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Kenya’s recent ambassador to Pakistan, is now eyeing the chairperson position at the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

However, her bid for the role is shrouded in controversy, with a trail of scandals and ethical questions casting a long shadow over her suitability for public office.

Mwachanya’s career has been marked by a series of contentious incidents, ranging from allegations of witchcraft to financial mismanagement and internal conflicts during her tenure at the IEBC.

These controversies have sparked widespread debate about her fitness to lead a critical institution like the NPSC, which oversees the integrity and efficiency of Kenya’s police service.

Witchcraft Allegations

In a shocking revelation, Mwachanya is currently embroiled in a legal dispute after allegedly seeking the services of a witch doctor to secure her reappointment as Kenya’s ambassador to Pakistan.

Following her recall in 2022 after a change in administration, Mwachanya reportedly turned to supernatural means to regain her position.

When the spell failed, she demanded a refund from the witch doctor, leading to a court case in Vihiga (CRIMINAL CASE NO. MCCR/E637/2024, Tracking number 97SE2024).

Financial Misconduct

Mwachanya’s time at the IEBC was also marred by allegations of financial impropriety.

In April 2018, just days before her resignation, she attended a four-day leadership training in London at a cost of KSh 1.7 million to taxpayers.

The training, hosted by the London Graduate School, was criticized for its lack of relevance to her role at the IEBC.

During a hearing before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mwachanya struggled to justify the expenditure.

She claimed the training was beneficial to her work but failed to provide concrete examples of its impact.

Notably, she could not recall the name of the institution that awarded her an honorary doctorate during the trip, further fueling skepticism about the legitimacy of the expenses.

The then PAC Chairman Opiyo Wandayi questioned the propriety of the training, stating, “This is outright abuse of office as spelt out under Article Six of the Constitution.” Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ echoed these sentiments, calling the expenditure a misuse of public funds.

Abrupt Resignation and Internal Conflicts

Mwachanya’s resignation from the IEBC in April 2018, alongside two other commissioners, was another flashpoint in her career.

The trio cited a lack of confidence in Chairman Wafula Chebukati’s leadership, accusing him of micromanagement and arbitrary decision-making.

During her appearance before the PAC, Mwachanya admitted to approving the direct procurement of Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS) kits from Safran Morpho, a decision she defended as necessary due to time constraints.

However, this move was criticized for bypassing proper procurement procedures, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Mwachanya’s track record has sparked widespread concern about her suitability for the NPSC chairperson role. Her involvement in witchcraft, financial mismanagement, and internal conflicts at the IEBC has led many to question her commitment to ethical governance.

“Public service demands the highest levels of integrity and accountability,” reads a post on X from concerned Kenyan. “Mwachanya’s actions, particularly the witchcraft allegations and misuse of public funds, undermine these principles and erode public trust in our institutions.”

The selection panel has scheduled interviews for the NPSC chairperson position over two days, March 24 and 25, 2025. Mwachanya is slated to appear before the panel on March 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Others shortlisted candidates for the chairperson position include former Gatanga MP Humphrey Kimani ,former Busia County Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa, former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution State Department of ASALs Micah Pkopus, and former Finance Director of the Judiciary Susan Oyatsi.

The candidates were shortlisted by a selection panel that was sworn into office on February 17 and tasked with coming up with a suitable replacement for Kinuthia.

After the interviews, the panel is expected to submit a shortened list of top candidates to President William Ruto for consideration. Consequently, the President nominates one candidate for the position and submits the name to the National Assembly for approval.

Up next, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security conducts further vetting and interviews. If satisfied, the committee recommends the nominee for approval by the full House.

Once approved by Parliament, the President officially appoints the Chairperson by gazette notice, and they are sworn into office. If rejected, the president must submit another nominee.

The NPSC plays a pivotal role in overseeing the administration of the National Police Service, ensuring professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. Given the controversies surrounding Mwachanya’s past public service roles, her candidacy has sparked debate about the standards of integrity and accountability required for such a critical position.