Muturi warns MPs over delayed electoral reforms, says inaction could imperil 2027 vote

Nairobi, August 28 – Former National Assembly Speaker and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has issued a stern warning to Parliament, claiming it risks undermining the 2027 General Election by delaying vital electoral law amendments. Muturi expresses concern that unresolved matters related to electoral technology, procurement, and intellectual-property rights could erode public trust in the electoral process if left unaddressed before the final stages of the next election preparations.

He criticizes Parliament for failing to learn from the unrest following the 2023 protests, in which nearly 100 lives were lost, and urges lawmakers to prioritize resolving these legal uncertainties to prevent a repeat of the crisis. Muturi highlights the pending Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the Senate but yet to be discussed by the National Assembly, and urges Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and MPs to expedite its consideration.

He argues that clarity in the law is crucial for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to effectively manage procurement and acquisitions of electoral technology, warning that unresolved legal questions could complicate decision-making and expose the electoral body to disputes. Muturi emphasizes that uncertainty in the legal framework could also undermine public confidence in the IEBC and the election's credibility, urging political leaders to recognize that the consequences of inaction extend beyond Parliament, potentially causing significant human and economic repercussions.

He calls on lawmakers to treat electoral reforms as an urgent national responsibility, stressing that the country cannot afford another crisis before addressing the weaknesses already identified. Muturi warns Parliament could face accountability if its inaction contributes to an electoral crisis in 2027 and urges immediate action to protect the election, the IEBC, and Kenyan lives.