Opposition demands IEBC ditch Smartmatic technology ahead of 2027 polls

The United Opposition leaders have demanded that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) discard Smartmatic technology ahead of next year’s General Election.

Led by Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DP's Justin Muturi, and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, the leaders also called upon the Judiciary to expedite all cases related to the general election to allow a clear roadmap.

Speaking on Friday in Makindu, Makueni County, during the burial of the father to Albanus Wambua, a nominated MCA, the opposition leaders said that the credibility of the 2027 polls is at stake if Smartmatic gadgets are retained in the forthcoming elections.

"Sisi kama the loyal Opposition tumekuwa kwa IEBC na kuwatangazia that unless we have a clear road map upto August 2027, nchi itakuwa na shida,” said Wamalwa.

Further, the opposition called on the judiciary to fast-track election-related cases, urging Chief Justice Martha Koome to expedite all pending general election matters before the High Court, especially those touching on alleged unlawful procurement of electoral materials.

“Chief Justice Martha Kome must expedite all pending general election cases before the High Court, especially those touching on unlawful procurement of electoral materials,” stated Kalonzo.

“We cannot go into next year’s election with a discredited technology at the level of Smartmatic. We cannot,” added Muturi.

Elsewhere, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang’i, while speaking during the burial of a brother to Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, reiterated his criticism of the current administration.

Speaking at a separate event, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro called for political decorum among leaders across the political divide.