In a landmark ruling today, the High Court upheld the conviction of former IEBC CEO James Oswago and former IEBC deputy commission secretary Wilson Shollei, sentencing them to four years in prison or a fine of Ksh 7.5 million each. The verdict stems from their roles in a 2013 procurement scandal involving the acquisition of electronic voter identification kits valued at Ksh 1.3 billion, intended to bolster transparency in that year’s general elections.
The devices, however, failed on election day, leading to widespread criticism and raising concerns about the IEBC’s competence and integrity. An investigation revealed serious procurement irregularities, with Oswago and Shollei accused of bypassing proper procedures and approving inflated costs that resulted in substandard equipment. The court found substantial evidence that both officials knowingly disregarded protocol, leading to an unsuccessful and costly rollout of the kits.
Today’s ruling sends a strong signal on the judiciary’s commitment to tackling corruption within critical public institutions. By reaffirming the sentences, the court underscores the importance of accountability, particularly within organizations like the IEBC that are instrumental in upholding democracy. As Kenya gears up for future elections, this decision highlights ongoing demands for electoral reforms and increased scrutiny of procurement processes to prevent similar failings.
