High Court grants access to key IEBC electoral records

The ruling follows a petition filed by the legal team of Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, which sought greater transparency and independent scrutiny of the systems and records used to manage elections.

The case was opposed by IEBC and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawyers.

The orders provide political parties and accredited observers with a formal avenue to examine electoral data and verify aspects of the election process, potentially allowing disputes over election technology and records to be addressed through evidence and the courts.

Muturi has described the ruling as an “electoral vaccine”, arguing that early access to electoral information could help address concerns before they escalate into political confrontation.

He said access to the records would enable political actors and accredited observers to examine evidence and raise questions about the integrity of the electoral process through established legal mechanisms.

“The principle is simple, let the evidence be examined before suspicion becomes confrontation, and let the law provide the avenue for resolving questions before people put their lives at risk,” Muturi said.

Muturi, however, acknowledged that the ruling does not by itself guarantee a peaceful or credible election.

He said its significance lies in creating a legal pathway through which electoral records can be scrutinised and questions about the process subjected to verification and determination under the law.

The development comes as political actors and electoral stakeholders prepare for the 2027 General Election, with transparency around voter registration, election technology and the management of electoral data remaining key issues in public debate.