IEBC dismisses Gachagua's rigging claims, says no company has been awarded election technology tender

Responding to claims by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua that there are plans to rig the 2027 presidential election through the procurement of electoral technology, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said no company, including Miru Systems Ltd, had been awarded the tender.

In a statement, Ethekon dismissed claims that the tender specifications for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System had been tailor-made for Miru Systems Ltd.

“The technical specifications are generic, performance-based, open to any qualified supplier, guided by Supreme Court directives, lessons from previous elections and feedback from our field officers,” Ethekon stated.

Ethekon also sought to allay fears that the South Korean firm had already won the tender.

“No award has been made to any company since the Commission is not aware of those companies that would be competing in this tender,” Ethekon stated. 

“Any attempts to cast aspersions on a process or outcomes of a process that has not yet reached its logical conclusion are premature and aimed at interfering with the affairs of the IEBC.”

The IEBC chairperson also warned bidders against engaging in political commentary or associating with politicians in an attempt to influence the Commission’s decisions.

“No amount of politically instigated allegations, intimidation, threats and malicious propaganda whatsoever will determine how we execute our mandate,” Ethekon stated.

He further directed any potential bidders with concerns about the procurement process to use the legal mechanisms available to seek redress.

“Where potential bidders have issues to raise, we implore them to follow the correct and proper channels to seek for redress as provided for by the laws of Kenya,” Ethekon stated.

The tender has, however, faced a legal challenge after the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board temporarily halted the IEBC's Ksh.6.5 billion election technology tender following a complaint by Galadriel Investments Limited.

The board is expected to make a determination on the matter in three weeks.