Gachagua claims IEBC tender is rigged for South Korean firm

NAIROBI, Kenya – DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of rigging a recently announced tender for election technology in favor of a South Korean firm. The controversy follows a challenge to the procurement process at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

Gachagua urged diplomats and embassies accredited to Kenya to monitor the situation, warning that the process could undermine trust in the 2027 General Election. The tender, which covers the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support, and maintenance of an Integrated Elections Management System, has been temporarily halted pending review.

Gachagua alleged that the IEBC's specifications were tailored to favor Miru Systems Company Limited, a South Korean technology firm. However, he did not provide evidence to support his claims. The challenge has placed the multibillion-shilling procurement under scrutiny as Kenya prepares for the upcoming election. Gachagua also questioned the timing of introducing new election technology so close to the 2027 General Election, arguing that a migration of voter data could introduce risks and require extensive testing.

He recommended retaining the current Smartmatic system, citing its experience and familiarity with Kenyan elections. Gachagua threatened legal action if the IEBC proceeds with the tender award, and called on international observers to closely follow the procurement process.