Opposition leaders renew calls for IEBC CEO exit, overhaul of election technology

Opposition leaders have sustained their push to have Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Hussein Marjan Hussein exit office before his term ends, alongside a total overhaul of the technology the commission plans to use in next year’s General Election.

Speaking in Kathiani Constituency, Machakos County, the leaders raised concerns, insisting they do not have confidence in the two ahead of the 2027 General Election.

With 19 months left to the General Election, they questioned the election technology contract awarded to Smartmatic Technology Company that will be deployed in the 2027 polls, alleging that the IEBC and Smartmatic mishandled the last General Election.

“Marjan hawezi kusimamia uchaguzi mkuu. Alipwe aende, amesalia na mwaka mmoja. Elections won’t be free and fair if he is there,” said Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

“Smartmatic wakiwa there, there will be no free election,” added DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

With President William Ruto expected to visit Nyeri County on Sunday to lead the disbursement of youth funds under the NYOTA programme, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo have criticised the initiative, with Kalonzo arguing that the amount being disbursed is too little.

“Kesho anaenda huko Nyeri. Nimewaambia vijana wa huko wachukue hiyo pesa alafu wawapatie wazazi wao walipe school fees,” said Gachagua.

“Huo mradi wa NYOTA, hiyo pesa ni kidogo sana. Haiwezi tosha,” said Kalonzo.

Gachagua has also blamed the government for the chaos witnessed during his recent visit to Nyeri County, claiming the administration has failed to fulfil its promises and that opposition popularity continues to grow in the Mount Kenya region.

The leaders are calling on police and IPOA to guarantee their security.

“They are unleashing violence on the opposition. Police provide security — why are you not acting? IPOA, where are you? Since July last year Malava, Mbeere, Chwele — hakuna mtu aliyeshikwa. What are you doing? What is your work?” Posed Wamalwa.

“Wamejua mlima imeenda, na sitawacha kuenda. Hata kesho niko Mlimani,” added Gachagua.

The opposition has urged the youth to register and participate in the upcoming General Election, insisting they will remain united as the 2027 contest takes shape.