People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has criticised Parliament after the National Assembly approved the Elections Amendment Bill 2024, which could remove the legal requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream polling station results.
The decision has raised concerns about election transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Karua warning that the move could weaken safeguards meant to protect voters’ choices.
In a statement posted on her official X account, Karua described the decision as a sign of fear and questioned why lawmakers would support changes that could make it harder for Kenyans to follow election results.
“Parliament’s decision to remove the IEBC’s legal obligation to livestream results at polling stations is a sign of fear!” she stated.
Karua argued that the Constitution requires elections to be transparent, impartial, accurate and accountable.
She insisted that these principles must be protected to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
“Article 81 of our Constitution demands transparent, impartial, accurate and accountable elections. These are not optional safeguards,” she added.
The PLP leader also reminded lawmakers that Kenya has faced serious challenges over public trust in elections.
She questioned how MPs could claim to represent Kenyans while supporting changes that could weaken measures designed to protect their votes.
“Kenya has paid a heavy price for electoral distrust. How can MPs claim to represent the people while weakening the very safeguards that protect their votes?” Karua asked.
She further challenged leaders who support the changes to explain why they would make election results less accessible if they were confident that the people’s choice would be respected.
“If our leaders are confident in the people’s choice, why make it harder to see the results? Strengthen transparency, don’t undermine it,” she said.