Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), has called for the complete dismantling of Smartmatic technology, claiming Kenya’s electoral crisis is deep and systemic. He made the statement during a condolence gathering in Shianda, Mumias East Constituency, Kakamega County, on February 7, 2026.

Wamalwa joined family and friends to mourn the late Mzee Jared Opiyo, father of John Opiyo Karakacha, personal assistant to Seth Panyako. During the event, he addressed national issues, particularly the state of Kenya’s electoral system.

“I stated, without ambiguity, that the resignation of the IEBC Kenya CEO alone is not enough to restore confidence in our electoral system,” Wamalwa said.

“Kenya’s electoral crisis is deeper and systemic. To rebuild trust, the Smartmatic technology and all discredited electoral infrastructure must be completely dismantled and replaced through a transparent, accountable, and people-driven reform process. Cosmetic changes will not heal a broken system.”

Wamalwa’s comments follow rising opposition pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Critics argue that the commission’s decision to extend Smartmatic’s contract threatens the credibility of future elections.

Smartmatic supplied the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits used in the 2022 polls. Opposition leaders claim the technology enabled manipulation in past elections.

Questions raised over IEBC

Just days before the Shianda event, on February 4, 2026, Wamalwa questioned the IEBC’s independence after officials met Head of Public Service Felix Koskei shortly before confirming CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan’s resignation.

“Is it in order for the Independent IEBC Kenya to be summoned by the Head of Public Service after meeting the Opposition? Were they receiving instructions on Marjan’s replacement, perhaps from a politically correct tribe?” Wamalwa posted on X.

Marjan resigned on February 3, 2026, in what IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon described as a mutual agreement. While opposition figures welcomed the resignation, they pushed for more action. Wamalwa and other leaders had long criticised Marjan for renewing Smartmatic’s deal without full commission oversight.

In January 2026, during celebrations for the late Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday in Kipipiri, Wamalwa demanded Marjan’s dismissal and prosecution for abuse of office.

“As the People’s United Opposition, we demanded in Kipipiri today, the immediate cancellation of the Smartmatics contract, which was illegally extended by IEBC Kenya CEO Marjan Marjan last year,” he said.

He also questioned the presence of a Venezuelan team at State House in July 2025 with IEBC officials.

“We also dared the Ruto Regime to tell Kenyans what the Smartmatics Venezuelans team led by Jose Carmago was doing at State House in July 2025 with IEBC officials.”

Senior Counsel Paul Muite supported the call for scrutiny.

“Of all the companies in the world, IEBC identified Venezuela, with zero democratic credentials, as the one whose company, Smartmatic, was to supply sensitive election equipment? WHY? Lifestyle audits of IEBC commissioners, past and present, are necessary,” Muite posted on X on January 8, 2026.

The United Opposition, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, stormed IEBC offices in Nairobi last month to demand Smartmatic’s removal and warned of mass action if ignored.

“We also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the procurement process of the KIEMS kit and stated clearly that we do not want Smartmatic, a company associated with election irregularities in multiple countries, anywhere near the systems for the 2027 General Election,” Musyoka said.