Former Attorney General Hon. Justin B. N. Muturi has called for greater transparency and inclusivity in Kenya's electoral processes, warning that democracy should never be left at the mercy of technology without adequate public oversight and accountability.

Speaking on behalf of Wiper Democratic Movement leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka during a stakeholders' engagement on electoral planning, Muturi emphasized that elections belong to the people of Kenya and must be planned and managed in an open, transparent, and consultative manner.

He noted that the development and implementation of the Electoral Commission's Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and the Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025-2027 should involve continuous engagement with all key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens.

"Elections belong to the people of Kenya and must be planned in an open and transparent manner," Muturi said, stressing that broad-based consultations are essential in strengthening public trust in electoral institutions.

The former Attorney General further cautioned against overreliance on technology in the electoral process without proper safeguards, transparency mechanisms, and independent audits.

"Democracy must never become captive to technology," he stated.

Muturi observed that while technology plays an important role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy during elections, every stage of the electoral process must remain transparent and subject to independent verification.

He particularly highlighted the importance of results transmission systems, noting that public confidence in elections can be significantly influenced by how election results are transmitted, verified, and communicated.

"Public confidence can rise or fall based on how results are transmitted," he said, calling for robust auditing mechanisms to ensure the integrity of electoral systems.

The remarks come amid ongoing discussions on electoral reforms and preparations for future elections, with stakeholders pushing for measures aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in the country's democratic processes.

Political observers note that concerns surrounding election technology, results transmission, and stakeholder involvement have remained key issues in Kenya's electoral landscape, making calls for openness and accountability increasingly important as preparations for upcoming electoral cycles continue.

Muturi's message underscored the need for electoral institutions to prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and public participation to safeguard the credibility of Kenya's democratic processes.