Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi warned that nationwide protests could erupt in April if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not drop Smartmatic International Technologies from Kenya’s election technology system.
In a strongly worded statement, Muturi said continued engagement between the electoral body and Smartmatic International Technologies poses a serious threat to the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
“The continued engagement of the IEBC with Smartmatic for election technology is unacceptable. This is a serious threat to the integrity of our electoral process and risks undermining public confidence in our democracy,” Muturi said.
The former National Assembly Speaker warned that Kenyans could take to the streets if the commission fails to address concerns and present a clear alternative plan for managing election technology.
“I am warning clearly: if the IEBC does not immediately address these concerns and provide a clear plan for an alternative and transparent electoral system, Kenyans will take to the streets in nationwide protest beginning in April,” he said.
Muturi also raised alarm over what he described as growing global scrutiny surrounding Smartmatic, claiming the company has faced concerns in more than 15 countries.
“It is alarming that despite growing public scrutiny and global concerns over Smartmatic in over 15 countries, the IEBC continues to rely on the company. This is a failure of leadership and accountability,” he said.
He urged the electoral commission to act decisively to guarantee a credible, transparent and verifiable voting process, warning that failure to do so would erode public trust in Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“The people of Kenya will defend the integrity of their vote,” Muturi said.
The IEBC has yet to publicly respond to the remarks.
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