Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has stepped up pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), calling for the removal of two foreign firms involved in Kenya’s election preparations, saying their continued role risks undermining public trust ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a morning interview on Kameme TV on Monday, May 11, 2026, Kalonzo accused the electoral agency of ignoring earlier agreements with opposition-aligned stakeholders and failing to act on concerns raised about election technology and printing contracts.

He said the United Alternative Government had earlier agreed with IEBC to form joint consultation committees, but the arrangement collapsed.

“We all, as leaders of the Alternative Government, went to IEBC and agreed that we would always be consulting. We also agreed to form a joint committee,” Kalonzo said.

He claimed IEBC failed to form its side of the committee, claiming political interference in the process.

“They were also supposed to appoint their committee, but they did not. It is as if they were instructed from outside not to engage the opposition. We must deal with President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government,” he said.

Kalonzo added that IEBC must operate independently under the Constitution and should not take political instructions.

“Kenya is a constitutional democracy. It is not possible for them to take final instructions on what to do or not to do,” he said.

Concerns over Smartmatic and Inform Lykos contracts

A major focus of Kalonzo’s criticism was the continued involvement of Smartmatic, the technology firm linked to Kenya’s election management system.

He repeated his earlier concerns that the company should not be allowed to participate in Kenya’s electoral process, arguing that its track record raises questions.

“We have warned IEBC about Smartmatic. They should not be allowed to run or prepare elections in this country,” he said.

Kalonzo also repeated claims linking the company to controversial election systems abroad, including Venezuela, and suggested it had faced scrutiny in other jurisdictions.

He further claimed that the company had been associated with disputed electoral outcomes, saying its credibility was in question internationally.

The Wiper leader also raised alarm over Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA, the Greek company contracted to print ballot papers and statutory forms used in Kenya’s elections.

He said the firm’s involvement should be suspended until full transparency is provided on procurement and oversight.

“Another company, Inform Lykos from Greece, is printing ballot papers in Athens. This is a company under scrutiny in Europe over tax issues and other concerns,” Kalonzo said.

The firm had just delivered ballot papers and election materials ahead of the May 14, 2026, by-elections, which were received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport earlier in the day.

He argued that both firms should be removed from the process and fresh tenders conducted.

“We are saying these companies must be made public and their role clarified. If necessary, new tenders should be opened so that Kenya can prepare properly,” he added.

Call for stakeholder dialogue

Kalonzo warned that if IEBC fails to convene a broad consultative forum, the opposition would push for legal and institutional action.

He proposed a national meeting bringing together electoral stakeholders.

He accused IEBC of avoiding responsibility.

“They are delaying. They must know we are watching them closely, and we will not allow them to sit on the rights of Kenyans,” he said.

Kalonzo also addressed growing concerns over the voter register, saying there was need for a full audit to determine whether it should be cleaned or rebuilt.

He said the opposition was still consulting experts on the matter.

“We are still discussing whether to continue with the current register or start afresh. The best approach is an audit. We have experts advising us on this,” he said.

He added that IEBC should make the register process transparent and allow public scrutiny.

“If they refuse to call stakeholders, then we will use the law to force them. It would be unfortunate if they abandon their mandate out of fear or pressure,” he said.