Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has raised concerns over the procurement of election technology ahead of the 2027 General Election, calling for transparency, independent verification and public accountability in the process.
In a statement shared on his X account, Kalonzo said his team was closely monitoring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) plans regarding election technology and warned against what he described as unclear procurement arrangements.
“We are closely monitoring the procurement of election technology ahead of next year’s General Election,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President stated that he would oppose any attempt by IEBC to bring back Smartmatic or any successor, proxy or vendor operating through arrangements that lack transparency.
“We will oppose any attempt by the IEBC to bring Smartmatic, or any successor, proxy or vendor operating through opaque arrangements, back into Kenya,” he said.
Call for Transparent Election Systems
Kalonzo argued that Kenya’s electoral process requires systems that can be independently verified and trusted by all stakeholders.
He said the country deserves transparent procurement processes, reliable election technology and mechanisms that allow the public and political actors to have confidence in the electoral system.
“Kenya deserves transparent procurement, independently verifiable systems and full public accountability,” Kalonzo stated.
His remarks come as political parties and leaders intensify scrutiny of electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 General Election, with technology procurement remaining one of the key areas of debate.
The IEBC has previously maintained that election technology must meet legal requirements and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process through secure voter identification and results management systems.
As preparations for the next polls continue, political actors are expected to closely monitor procurement decisions, with election technology likely to remain a major issue in discussions around electoral transparency and public trust.
