Margaret Wanjala Mwachanya, a former IEBC commissioner and Kenya’s recent ambassador to Pakistan, has once again found herself in the eye of a storm. Her name is now synonymous with controversy, incompetence, and outright disgrace. From seeking witchcraft to secure government positions to mishandling public funds, her track record is riddled with scandal. Yet, she has the audacity to seek another top government job.
Witchcraft and Career Desperation
Mwachanya’s latest scandal is shocking. Instead of relying on merit, professionalism, or competence, she turned to a witch doctor, hoping dark magic would extend her tenure as Kenya’s ambassador to Pakistan. When the spell failed, she demanded a refund, leading to a bizarre legal battle now playing out in Vihiga Law Courts (CRIMINAL CASE NO. MCCR/E637/2024, Tracking number 97SE2024).
If this is the level of desperation she resorts to, how can Kenyans trust her with a leadership position? How does someone who believes in supernatural shortcuts expect to instill professionalism, integrity, and discipline in the National Police Service Commission (NPSC)?
Even more damning, we have copies of CCTV footage showing the times she visited the witch doctor for both “spiritual and earthly services.” If she wants to deny it, let her explain what business a senior government official had at a traditional healer’s place.
A Legacy of Financial Mismanagement
Mwachanya’s past at the IEBC was no better. Days before her resignation in 2018, she attended a four-day “leadership training” in London that cost Kenyan taxpayers KSh 1.7 million. She later admitted to a parliamentary committee that she couldn’t even recall the name of the institution that gave her an honorary doctorate during the trip. What was the real purpose of that trip? Was it another scheme to pocket taxpayer money?
A Chaotic Tenure at IEBC
Mwachanya was part of the dysfunctional IEBC that nearly brought Kenya’s electoral process to its knees. In April 2018, she and two other commissioners—Paul Kurgat and Connie Maina—resigned, citing a lack of confidence in Chairman Wafula Chebukati. Their exit threw the commission into turmoil, leaving the institution in crisis. Months later, she attempted to make a dramatic return, but the damage had already been done. Her actions proved that she was part of the problem, not the solution.
Why Is She Still Being Considered for Public Office?
Margaret Mwachanya should not be anywhere near public office. Her conduct disqualifies her from any leadership position, let alone chairing the NPSC, a body responsible for overseeing Kenya’s police service. If she needed black magic to keep her previous job, what kind of influence will she use in the police service?
Kenya has suffered enough under corrupt, incompetent, and unethical leaders. It is time to draw the line. The interviewing panel must reject her candidacy outright. If integrity matters, if professionalism means anything, then Margaret Mwachanya should be shown the door—permanently.