Justin Muturi: IEBC Actions Cause 2027 Election Delays

• Former Attorney General Justin Muturi accused the IEBC of undermining 2027 election preparations through internal delays.
• Muturi, representing the United Alternative Government, demanded the recall of key IEBC officials involved in election technology procurement.
• Concerns were raised about the election technology tender being on hold due to officials' foreign travel and potential cost inflation.
• Muturi highlighted that some reputable bidders submitted proposals within the allocated budget, questioning higher-cost awards.
• The United Alternative Government urged the IEBC to ensure transparency and compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.

It is untenable for the commission to simultaneously request expedited judicial resolution of election-related cases while halting its own crucial processes for the foreign travel of officials.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, representing the United Alternative Government, has leveled serious accusations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alleging that its internal actions are jeopardizing the preparations for the 2027 General Election. Muturi's remarks came in response to the IEBC's own warning that ongoing litigation concerning election technology could impede the August 2027 polls. He contended that the commission's own decisions, rather than solely court cases, are significant contributors to the current delays.

Muturi specifically highlighted that the electoral body is reportedly behind schedule on several key milestones outlined in its Election Operations Plan, raising concerns about its capacity to conduct a credible election. He questioned the timing of foreign travel by critical officials, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of Procurement, at a period when the IEBC should be making crucial procurement decisions. Furthermore, Muturi claimed that the tender for election technology had been temporarily suspended to facilitate overseas travel for members of the evaluation committee.

Beyond the delays, Muturi voiced significant apprehension regarding the potential for inflated costs in the procurement of the necessary election technology. He issued a stern warning against awarding the tender at exorbitant prices, particularly when, according to his statements, several reputable bidders had already submitted proposals that fell within the budgetary allocations specified in the approved procurement plan.

The former Attorney General emphasized that any decision to award a contract at a higher cost, despite the availability of compliant and responsive bids within the established budget, would inevitably raise serious questions about the responsible use of public funds. The United Alternative Government has therefore urged the IEBC to immediately recall all officers deemed essential to the procurement process and to promptly resume the evaluation of the election technology tender without further postponement. They also called for the procurement process to be transparent, fair, and fully compliant with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.

The scrutiny surrounding the IEBC's preparations for the 2027 General Election is intensifying, particularly concerning the acquisition of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS). This vital technology is designed to underpin critical electoral functions, including voter identification, the secure transmission of results, and overall election management. The procurement of this system has previously encountered various legal and procedural hurdles, including reviews by the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

The IEBC has consistently maintained that it possesses ample time to procure and thoroughly test the required election technology. Concurrently, the commission has appealed for the swift resolution of any court cases that might affect this crucial process. However, Muturi's recent statements underscore a perceived disconnect, arguing that it is untenable for the commission to simultaneously request expedited judicial resolution of election-related cases while halting its own crucial processes for the foreign travel of officials.

The ongoing situation carries significant implications for the integrity and public trust in the upcoming 2027 General Election. Muturi stressed that the IEBC must demonstrate both urgency and accountability in its actions. He cautioned that the Kenyan populace would demand clear answers regarding decisions that impact the preparations for the next national polls.

The United Alternative Government's position is clear: the electoral agency bears the responsibility to safeguard public resources and ensure that the procurement process does not in any way compromise the credibility of the 2027 elections. The current accusations of procedural irregularities and potential cost inflation signal a heightened risk of legal challenges to tender awards, underscoring the critical need for strict compliance and transparency from all parties involved in the 2027 election technology procurement.

Lawyers advising clients on public procurement in Kenya, particularly those bidding for IEBC contracts, should closely monitor the commission's adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. The ongoing public scrutiny and accusations of procedural irregularities and potential cost inflation signal a heightened risk of legal challenges to tender awards and emphasize the need for strict compliance and transparency from all parties involved in the 2027 election technology procurement.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM Kenya