Opposition leaders pitch camp in Engineer shopping centre, Nyandarua County on January 7, 2026.
Opposition leaders have called for a complete overhaul of the election technology set to be used by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the 2027 General Election, citing concerns over credibility, transparency and alleged past failures.
Speaking during a political rally in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, the leaders expressed strong opposition to the renewal of a contract involving Smartmatic, the technology firm linked to Kenya’s electoral systems, saying they lack confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a credible election.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who was among the opposition figures at the event, questioned the decision to extend the firm’s contract, arguing that the same technology was involved in the disputed 2022 General Election.
“The technology that was used in 2022 is the same technology being prepared for 2027. We cannot trust a system that has already failed Kenyans,” Muturi said.
The opposition leaders alleged that officials linked to the technology firm have been holding secret meetings in Nairobi, raising further doubts about the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the next polls.
They also claimed that evidence shows the Venezuelan-based technology has previously been manipulated in other jurisdictions and accused it of being associated with election fraud.
Muturi further alleged that during the weekend of July 5 and 6, individuals identified as Marjan and Kamargo were involved in undisclosed activities at State House, a claim that opposition leaders say demands immediate clarification.
“This company, Smartmatic, must be rejected. We cannot accept it,” the opposition leaders declared.
The leaders also accused IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan of illegally extending the operational period of the election technology firm without adequate public consultation or stakeholder engagement.
They demanded that the extension be revoked immediately, insisting that any election technology used in 2027 must inspire public confidence and be subjected to independent scrutiny.
“Marjan signed an extension of Smartmatic to handle next year’s election. We totally oppose this and we want it revoked,” they said.
In addition, the opposition dismissed a planned trip to Singapore by IEBC officials, terming it a diversionary tactic that does not address fundamental concerns surrounding electoral credibility and transparency.
The renewed push by opposition leaders comes amid ongoing debates over the reconstitution of the IEBC and broader electoral reforms, with calls growing for increased transparency, accountability and public participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC has yet to formally respond to the latest allegations and demands by the opposition.
