Wetang’ula warns politicians against interfering with IEBC

By Newsflash Writer

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned politicians against interfering with the work of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that attempts to dictate how it procures election technology and materials could undermine public confidence in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at Marenyo Market in Butere Constituency, Kakamega County, on August 28, Mr Wetang’ula appeared to respond to allegations by former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that an IEBC tender for a new Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) had been designed to favour South Korean technology firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd.

Mr Gachagua has claimed that the tender outcome was predetermined and questioned whether its specifications were tailored to the company.

IEBC has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the procurement process is open and transparent and that no company has been awarded the contract. IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon said the process was still at an early stage and challenged those making the claims to provide evidence.

Mr Wetang’ula urged the commission to remain independent and carry out its constitutional mandate without fear or political interference.

“IEBC is an independent body under the Constitution, working under the direction of nobody and the command of nobody. They do their job as required by the Constitution,” he said.

Respect the electoral referee

Referring to the 2017 presidential election dispute, in which the Supreme Court annulled the initial presidential election and ordered a fresh poll, Mr Wetang’ula said institutions must respect the law and judicial processes.

“We must have respect. If we want IEBC to do its work properly, we must respect the referee,” he said.

Using a football analogy, the Speaker said politicians seeking elective office should not attempt to choose electoral officials or determine the rules of the contest.

“If you want to run for elections, you cannot choose the referee. You cannot choose the whistle to be blown. You cannot choose the field to play on or the cheerers who will come to cheer you,” he said.

He challenged IEBC officials to follow the Constitution and the law and resist political pressure.

“Act in accordance with the law. Act in accordance with the Constitution and your conscience. Don’t be intimidated by anybody. Don’t act with fear or favour,” he said.

Defends IEBC

Mr Wetang’ula also opposed attempts by politicians to influence IEBC procurement decisions, saying such matters should be left to the commission.

The IEMS tender, advertised in August, covers the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the electoral management system, including related hardware and accessories. The procurement has also attracted a challenge before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

Mr Wetang’ula used the Butere meeting to rally Western Kenya behind the broad-based government and President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

He urged supporters of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga to remain within the political arrangement between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He said Western Kenya should unite and work with leaders including former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

He cited infrastructure projects, including the proposed railway extension to western Kenya, development of Bukhungu Stadium and upgrading of Kakamega airstrip, as reasons to support the government.

“As a region, the path to the top seat is now visible because we are the succession plan. We are in government, and we will not leave government and go to the Opposition to look for government,” he said.

President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet also dismissed concerns over the IEBC tender, urging politicians to allow the commission to undertake the procurement process.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot separately criticised Mr Gachagua over his comments on IEBC and the electoral process.