Opposition Coalition Warns of Nationwide Protests in April Over IEBC's Continued Ties with Smartmatic
The United Alternative Government, an opposition coalition, has issued a stern warning of mass nationwide demonstrations starting in April 2026 unless the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) immediately ends its engagement with Smartmatic International Technologies for election management systems.
Speaking in Maua on behalf of the group, Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi accused authorities of orchestrating deliberate efforts to compromise electoral integrity by persisting with Smartmatic, a firm he claimed has faced widespread criticism and allegations of data manipulation in over 15 countries, including ongoing debates in the United States.
The coalition expressed alarm that the IEBC has failed to terminate Smartmatic's contract despite mounting public outcry and concerns about potential tampering with electoral results. They argued that continued reliance on the company leaves Kenya without viable alternatives for transparent election technology ahead of future polls, severely eroding trust in the democratic process. Muturi and allied leaders emphasized that without a clear roadmap from the IEBC to switch to credible, independent providers, citizens would have no choice but to take to the streets in large-scale action to demand accountability and safeguard the electoral system.
This latest threat escalates longstanding opposition grievances against the IEBC's technology choices, building on earlier demands from figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and others who have repeatedly called for the commission to sever links with Smartmatic due to its controversial global track record. No immediate response from the IEBC or government officials was noted in connection with the Maua statement, but the ultimatum underscores deepening tensions over preparations for upcoming elections and fears of compromised fairness in Kenya's voting processes.
