Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has urged Kenyans to remain hopeful and defend democracy, even as he raises fresh concerns about the country’s electoral system.

In a message shared on his X account on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Muturi reflected on Kenya’s troubled past and linked it to the current political climate. He said the country’s journey has been marked by struggle, but also by resilience.

“The current situation facing our nation is a painful reminder of Kenya’s long and difficult journey toward justice, freedom, and true democracy,” Muturi said.

He pointed to key moments in history, including colonial repression, single-party rule, and electoral violence. According to him, these events show that Kenyans have always pushed back against injustice.

“We have endured the dark days of single-party rule, the horror of torture chambers, the tragedy of ethnic and electoral violence,” he said, adding that recent Gen Z protests have also shaken the country.

Muturi said these experiences form part of a shared national story built on courage and persistence. He insisted that despite the challenges, Kenya’s democratic space remains alive.

“Kenya’s democracy is still evolving. It is young, tested, and at times fragile, but it is alive,” he said.

Smartmatic termination

Muturi has also severally called for the immediate termination of the contract between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Smartmatic. He described the proposed extension as unlawful and warned that it could affect the credibility of future elections.

“Terminate the contract. The proposed extension… is unlawful, irregular, and cannot stand,” Muturi said during a media interview.

He argued that delaying procurement reforms could be a deliberate move to limit transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We are fully aware of the scheme to drag this process until it is too late… That is a trick, and Kenyans are not fools,” he said.

Muturi also stressed that the independence of the IEBC must be protected at all costs. He warned against any attempts to use the commission for political gain.

“The Commission must not allow itself to be used to serve partisan interests. Its independence is non-negotiable,” he said.