Outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has called for the revocation of the contract between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Smartmatic company.

Njiru has noted that the former CEO, Marjan Hussein Marjan, was behind the unlawful extension of the contract with the firm.

Speaking during an interview at a local radio station on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Njiru confirmed that during a meeting between the IEBC and the united opposition, the principals of the opposition were candid in proposing that the contract between Smartmatic and the IEBC be revoked, as it was procured unlawfully and in contravention of the law.

“The principals of the opposition were firm in proposing that the contract between Smartmatic and the IEBC be revoked, as it was procured unlawfully and in contravention of the law,” Njiru stated.

Njiru has further said that the outgoing IEBC CEO meddled with the procurement activities of the commission in the absence of the IEBC commissioners in office. This, according to the lawyer, was in contravention of the law and beyond the mandate of the CEO of the commission.

“While Kenya was waiting to fill the positions of the commissioners, Marjan Marjan was busy meddling in the commission’s processes to the extent of executing functions that are exclusively reserved for commissioners. Accusations against him have been raised,” Njiru added.

About Smartmartic Company

Smartmatic, a multinational company that builds and implements electronic voting and election technology, was contracted by IEBC in November 2021 to supply the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits used in both the 2017 and 2022 general elections. 

Towards the end of the year 2025, the IEBC announced the extension of the contract with the firm in an agreement to cover the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the system.

The united opposition now argues that the extension of Smartmatic’s contract was carried out illegally and has expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the firm’s involvement, calling for its revocation.

Ndegwa Njiru has welcomed the exit of the IEBC CEO, Marjan Marjan, noting that it was one of the irreducible minimums of the united opposition to the commission ahead of the general elections in 2027.

Role of IEBC CEO

The Commission CEO acts as secretary to the commission and heads a secretariat, which is very crucial in service delivery on electoral management and related matters and reflects the level of preparedness, passion and commitment to delivering credible, free and fair elections.

Nonetheless, IEBC has confirmed plans to revamp its secretariat after Marjan’s exit.