Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of contributing to delays in preparations for the 2027 General Election, questioning its handling of the procurement of election technology.
In a statement responding to the IEBC’s warning that ongoing court cases could disrupt preparations for the polls, Muturi acknowledged that litigation could slow down procurement but argued that the commission should also take responsibility for delays within its own operations.
He claimed that the IEBC was already behind schedule on several key milestones under its Election Operations Plan, raising concerns about whether the commission would meet the required timelines.
Muturi further alleged that the commission’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of Procurement were out of the country on official missions at a critical stage of the election technology tender process.
He also claimed that the tender evaluation had been put on hold to allow members of the evaluation committee to travel abroad, questioning why the procurement process had been suspended as the 2027 elections draw closer.
On the cost of the technology, Muturi warned against awarding the tender at inflated rates, arguing that bids from reputable companies had fallen within the budget allocation in the approved procurement plan.
He said any award above the allocated budget, where compliant and responsive bids within the available funds existed, would amount to a waste of public resources and should attract accountability.
Muturi called on the IEBC to recall officers involved in the procurement process, resume the tender evaluation without further delay and ensure the process complies with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
He also urged the commission to uphold transparency and fairness, saying Kenyans expected it to take responsibility for ensuring credible elections in 2027.
The United Alternative Government has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of contributing to delays in preparations for the 2027 General Election, questioning the commission’s handling of the procurement of election technology.
In a statement responding to the IEBC’s warning that ongoing court cases could disrupt preparations for the polls, the opposition coalition said the commission should also take responsibility for delays within its own operations.
The coalition acknowledged that litigation could slow down procurement but argued that the commission’s internal decisions were equally putting election preparations at risk.
It claimed that the IEBC was already behind schedule on several key milestones under its Election Operations Plan, raising concerns about whether the commission would meet the required timelines.
The statement further alleged that the commission’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of Procurement were out of the country on official missions at a critical stage of the election technology tender process.
It also claimed that the tender evaluation had been put on hold to allow members of the evaluation committee to travel abroad, questioning why the procurement process had been suspended as the 2027 elections draw closer.
On the cost of the technology, the coalition warned against awarding the tender at inflated rates, arguing that bids from reputable companies had fallen within the budget allocation in the approved procurement plan.
It said any award above the allocated budget, where compliant and responsive bids within the available funds existed, would amount to a waste of public resources and should attract accountability.
The United Alternative Government called on the IEBC to recall officers involved in the procurement process, resume the tender evaluation without further delay and ensure the process complies with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
The coalition also urged the commission to uphold transparency and fairness, saying Kenyans expected it to take responsibility for ensuring credible elections in 2027.
