Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Attorney General Justin Muturi on Thursday renewed their strong opposition to the use of Smartmatic technology in the 2027 general election, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to seek alternative systems.
Speaking in separate but coordinated statements, the two leaders revived memories of the technological disputes that followed the 2022 presidential election. They argued that public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile and that re-engaging the same firm would undermine credibility.
Musyoka stressed that Kenyans deserve transparent, verifiable and auditable systems free from previous controversies. Muturi, who has been active in opposition unity talks, added that the IEBC must prioritise local capacity and open-source solutions where possible. The call comes as the electoral commission prepares for early preparations ahead of 2027.
Smartmatic provided technology in previous cycles and faced accusations—never fully proven in court—of irregularities. The company has consistently denied wrongdoing. Opposition figures have made technology a central issue in their push for electoral reforms.
They want the IEBC to conduct public demonstrations of any proposed system well in advance and to involve political parties in the selection process. Government allies have dismissed the demands as premature and politically motivated, noting that procurement decisions rest with the independent commission.
Nevertheless, the joint position by Musyoka and Muturi signals that technology will remain a flashpoint in the months ahead. Civil society groups monitoring electoral integrity have echoed calls for greater transparency. They warn that unresolved questions about past systems could fuel post-election disputes.
As political temperatures rise, the IEBC is under pressure to communicate clearly on its technology roadmap. Musyoka and Muturi’s intervention ensures the debate stays in the public domain and will likely feature in the opposition’s People’s Forum planned for October.
The development underscores the deep distrust that still surrounds Kenya’s electoral infrastructure more than four years after the last general election.