Former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader, Justin Muturi, has warned of nationwide demonstrations in April if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not end its engagement with Smartmatic International Technologies.
Muturi described the continued use of Smartmatic for election technology as “unacceptable,” arguing it poses a serious threat to the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process. “This risks undermining public confidence in our democracy,” he said.
He insisted that the IEBC must urgently outline a clear plan for an alternative and transparent electoral system.
Failure to act, he warned, will prompt Kenyans to take to the streets in protest starting next month. “I am warning clearly: if the IEBC does not immediately address these concerns, Kenyans will take to the streets,” Muturi emphasized.
The former DP leader criticized the electoral body for relying on Smartmatic despite growing scrutiny both locally and internationally. He noted that the company has faced concerns in over 15 countries, calling the IEBC’s decision a “failure of leadership and accountability.”
Muturi stressed that leaving Kenya’s electoral system vulnerable to manipulation undermines public trust in democracy. “We cannot allow Kenya’s elections to be left vulnerable while our people’s confidence in democracy is eroded,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of a credible, transparent, and verifiable voting process, Muturi stated that the IEBC must act decisively. “Anything less is unacceptable. The people of Kenya will defend the integrity of their vote,” he added.
He concluded with a message of gratitude to supporters from his home region, acknowledging residents of Mikinduri and Maua in Meru County.
The IEBC has not yet responded to Muturi’s warning, leaving questions about whether the commission will review its engagement with Smartmatic ahead of the next general elections.