Kiplang'at Arap Tuwei

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE UNITED ALTERNATIVE GOVERNMENT On the IEBC’s Warning that Court Cases over Election Technology Could Disrupt 2027 Poll Preparations The United Alternative Government has noted, with deep concern, the recent headline in which the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warns that court cases over election technology could disrupt preparations for the 2027 General Election. We do not dispute that litigation can slow down any procurement process. However, we wish to set the record straight for the people of Kenya, because the full picture is far more troubling than the Commission would have the public believe. First, while it is true that court cases present a challenge, it is equally true that the Commission itself is doing little to help Kenyans. Blaming the courts cannot hide the fact that the Commission’s own conduct is putting the delivery of a credible election at risk. Kenyans deserve an electoral body that takes responsibility for its timelines, not one that looks for others to blame. Second, the Commission is already behind schedule on several critical milestones that are meant to support an effective Election Operations Plan. One would expect that, at such a time, every key officer would be at their desk, fully focused on getting the country back on track. Instead, we have learnt that critical office holders, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of Procurement, are out of the country on missions that could easily have been postponed. These officers are central to the award of the election technology tender. Their absence at this crucial moment raises serious questions about the Commission’s sense of urgency and its priorities. Third, we are further informed that the election technology tender has been put on hold to allow members of the evaluation committee to also travel out of the country. This is deeply regrettable. It tells Kenyans that they are the only ones in a hurry, and that the Commission does not share their concern about the shrinking time left before the 2027 polls. The Commission cannot, on the one hand, plead with the courts to speed up cases, and on the other hand, freeze its own processes for foreign travel. Fourth, as we stated last month on this same tender, we expect that taxpayers’ money will not be wasted through inflated rates. There were bidders of high repute whose bids fell within the budgetary allocation provided in the approved procurement plan. Any award made at prices above that allocation, where compliant and responsive bids within budget exist, will be viewed by Kenyans as a deliberate waste of public resources, and we will not hesitate to demand full accountability. The United Alternative Government therefore calls upon the IEBC to immediately recall all officers critical to the procurement process, resume the evaluation of the election technology tender without further delay, and conduct the process in a manner that is transparent, fair and in full compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. Kenyans are watching, and history will judge every officer entrusted with this responsibility.

KENYA IS BIGGER THAN ANY ONE POLITICIAN!