Opposition asks IEBC to cut ties with Smartmatic ahead of 2027 polls

The leaders, who held a lengthy meeting with IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon and other commissioners, also presented a wide range of concerns, including insecurity issues witnessed in the concluded by-elections.

The United Opposition stormed IEBC offices on Wednesday afternoon in what was fashioned as a courtesy call. However, inside the commission's boardroom, temperatures ran high as the opposition leaders demanded assurance of a free and fair election next year.

"We have demanded for free and fair elections," said Martha Karua.

However, the elephant in the room is the Venezuelan-based firm Smartmatic that has previously provided IEBC with election technology, including biometric voter registration, identification through KIEMS kits and results transmission.

The opposition told the IEBC to suspend any further engagements with the firm, whose contract was renewed just before the new commissioners took office.

"This same technology was used in Uganda, and KIEMS kits failed; we do not want that in Kenya," said Eugene Wamalwa.

"We have raised serious concerns on Smartmatic," said Kalonzo Musyoka.

Opposition figures who held the meeting in camera at the IEBC headquarters raised questions regarding the security of electronic transmission and potential manipulation following revelations of questionable dealings of the Venezuelan firm.

"Out there, this commission is known to be a Ruto commission, but we have given them time to prove us wrong," said Kalonzo Musyoka.

The opposition demanded that the August 2027 General Election must be handled with the seriousness it deserves, citing previous cases including insecurity at polling stations witnessed during the by-elections.

"The next general election is very emotive. They must prove to Kenya that they will prepare an election that is credible," said Rigathi Gachagua.

"As long as they demonstrate good faith, we will continue working with them," said Fred Matiang’i.

The opposition now wants the IEBC to immediately embark on mass voter registration to ensure a majority of the youth register as voters.