Wetangula Warns IEBC Procurement Interference: Protects 2027 Election

• National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula warned politicians against interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and its procurement processes.
• The warning follows allegations by Rigathi Gachagua that the IEBC's Integrated Elections Management System tender was designed to favor Miru Systems Co. Ltd.
• IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon denied the allegations, stating the procurement is transparent and no contract has been awarded.
• Wetangula emphasized the IEBC's constitutional independence and urged its officials to resist political pressure, citing the 2017 Supreme Court decision.
• The contested IEBC tender, covering a comprehensive electoral management system, has also faced a formal challenge before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

Wetangula emphasized that any attempts to interfere with the commission's operations, particularly its procurement processes, could severely erode public confidence in the integrity of the upcoming 2027 General Election.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has issued a strong caution to politicians, urging them to refrain from undermining the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Speaking at Marenyo Market in Butere Constituency, Kakamega County, on a recent Friday, Wetangula emphasized that any attempts to interfere with the commission's operations, particularly its procurement processes, could severely erode public confidence in the integrity of the upcoming 2027 General Election. He called upon political actors to allow the electoral body to execute its constitutional mandate without undue influence.

Wetangula's remarks come amidst a heated political debate surrounding the IEBC's tender for an Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS). Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly alleged that this high-value tender was specifically designed to favor the South Korean technology firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. Gachagua claimed that the tender's outcome was predetermined and that the procurement specifications were tailored to benefit the company. In response, IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the procurement process remains open and transparent, and no contract has yet been awarded. Ethekon further stated that the process is still in its early stages and challenged those making accusations to provide concrete evidence.

The Speaker underscored the IEBC's status as an independent body, operating solely under the directives of the Constitution and the law, free from external command. He urged the commission to remain steadfast in its duties, adhering strictly to legal frameworks and resisting any intimidation from political figures. Wetangula drew a parallel to a football match, explaining that just as players cannot choose the referee, the whistle, the playing field, or even the cheerleaders, politicians seeking elective office should not attempt to dictate the terms or officials of an election.

Wetangula also reminded IEBC officials of their solemn responsibility, imploring them to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law, their conscience, and the public morality expected of their office. He stressed the importance of not succumbing to fear or favor, citing the 2017 presidential election dispute where the Supreme Court annulled the initial results and ordered a fresh poll, a process respected by all institutions involved. This historical precedent, he noted, demonstrates the critical importance of respecting judicial processes and institutional independence in Kenya's electoral landscape.

A central point of Wetangula's warning focused on the procurement decisions of the IEBC. He explicitly cautioned politicians against attempting to influence these choices, whether for ballot papers, KIEMS kits, or other essential supplies. Such matters, he insisted, fall squarely within the commission's purview and are not the domain of political interference. This particular IEBC tender, advertised in August, encompasses the comprehensive supply, installation, testing, commissioning, support, and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System, along with all associated hardware and accessories.

This procurement process has already attracted significant attention, including a formal challenge lodged before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. This development underscores the heightened scrutiny on public procurement processes in Kenya, particularly for high-value electoral contracts. The ongoing debate and the formal challenge highlight the critical need for strict compliance with Kenya electoral procurement law and transparency in all stages of such tenders, ensuring that the integrity of the 2027 General Election is not compromised by perceived or actual irregularities.

Beyond the immediate concerns about electoral integrity, Wetangula utilized the Butere meeting as a platform to rally support for the current broad-based government and President William Ruto's re-election campaign. He appealed to supporters of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, encouraging them to remain aligned with the political arrangement between the ODM party and the Kenya Kwanza administration. Wetangula articulated that what were once distinct political entities, including ODM, UDA, and Ford Kenya, have now coalesced into a unified 'broad-based government.' This broader political message provides context to the Speaker's emphasis on institutional stability and adherence to legal processes, framing electoral integrity as a cornerstone of the nation's political future.

This development underscores the heightened scrutiny on public procurement processes in Kenya, particularly for high-value electoral contracts. Lawyers should advise clients involved in such tenders to ensure strict compliance with procurement laws and prepare for potential challenges before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

Source: Original reporting via Capital News