Justin Muturi warns of April protests over IEBC’s Smartmatic deal
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 7, 2026Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has warned that Kenyans could take to the streets in April 2026 if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not end its engagement with Smartmatic International Technologies for election technology.
The Democratic Party leader issued the warning in a statement posted on X on Saturday, March 7, 2026. He said the continued use of Smartmatic threatens the integrity of elections and risks weakening public trust in the country’s democratic process.
“The continued engagement of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission with Smartmatic International Technologies for election technology is unacceptable,” Muturi wrote.
“This is a serious threat to the integrity of our electoral process and risks undermining public confidence in our democracy.”
He said the commission must address concerns immediately and present a clear alternative system.
“I am warning clearly: if the IEBC does not immediately address these concerns and provide a clear plan for an alternative and transparent electoral system, Kenyans will take to the streets in nationwide protest beginning in April,” he said.
Smartmatic has supplied election technology in several countries, including Kenya. The company provided key systems used during the 2022 Kenyan general election, such as results transmission and management tools.
Muturi said questions about the company have emerged in many parts of the world. According to him, scrutiny in more than 15 countries has raised concerns about transparency and possible manipulation.
“It is alarming that despite growing public scrutiny and global concerns over Smartmatic in over 15 countries, the IEBC continues to rely on the company,” he said.
“This is a failure of leadership and accountability. We cannot allow Kenya’s elections to be left vulnerable to manipulation while our people’s confidence in democracy is eroded.”
Opposition raises Smartmatic concerns
The issue has also drawn attention from opposition figures aligned with the United Alternative Government coalition. The group has pushed for months for the electoral body to cut ties with Smartmatic.
Earlier this year, opposition leaders met IEBC officials and demanded a review of the contract with the technology firm. They asked the commission to disclose full details of its agreements and explain its plans ahead of the 2027 Kenyan general election.
Court cases have also emerged around the issue. Some lawsuits claim the IEBC secretly extended its contract with Smartmatic despite earlier public statements suggesting otherwise.
Muturi accused the commission of delaying action on purpose.
He argued that the delay could allow the IEBC to later claim that it is too late to change election technology providers before the next vote.
Other opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, have echoed similar concerns. They have called on the electoral body to suspend any dealings with Smartmatic and release full records of its contracts.
“The IEBC must act decisively to ensure a credible, transparent, and verifiable voting process,” Muturi said. “Anything less is unacceptable. The people of Kenya will defend the integrity of their vote.”