Ruto Reveal Truth About Livestreaming Election Result, Challenge Opposition Leaders Over Their Clams

President William Ruto has defended proposed amendments to the Elections Act, dismissing concerns that the changes could interfere with the electronic transmission and livestreaming of election results.

Speaking during a church service at AIC Kasina Church in Mwingi town, the Head of State accused opposition leaders of misleading Kenyans, particularly young people, about the proposed electoral reforms.

Ruto maintained that the Elections Amendment Bill 2024 does not introduce any restrictions on livestreaming election results, insisting that every Kenyan has a right to access information about electoral proceedings.

The President questioned why anyone would oppose the livestreaming of election results, arguing that transparency allows citizens to follow the electoral process and understand developments as votes are counted.

“Why would anyone want to stop live-streaming of results? It is a right of Kenyans,” Ruto stated, defending the proposed changes while addressing the congregation.

His remarks came days after the National Assembly passed the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, introducing changes to how presidential election results are electronically transmitted.

Under the proposed amendments, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) would be required to transmit presidential election results electronically within two hours after their declaration at polling stations.

The legislation further requires the commission to provide explanations in a prescribed format whenever results are not transmitted within the stipulated period to designated electoral stakeholders.

These include constituency and national tallying centres, candidates, their agents and election observers, who are expected to receive the relevant presidential election results.

Additionally, IEBC would be required to publish polling station results forms through its public online portal, allowing Kenyans to access information about declared results.

The commission would also be expected to verify transmitted figures against the results recorded and declared at individual polling stations to strengthen electoral accountability.

However, the proposed changes have attracted criticism from sections of the public, with several Kenyans questioning their potential implications for transparency during the forthcoming general election.

Some social media users expressed opposition to the bill, with others threatening demonstrations against the proposed amendments, raising concerns about another political confrontation.

Responding to the growing criticism, Ruto urged political leaders to stop mobilising young people to demonstrate before understanding the contents and implications of the legislation.

The President argued that Kenyans should examine the proposed amendments carefully instead of relying on political statements and interpretations that could create unnecessary public anxiety.

Ruto also referenced the controversial 2024 Finance Bill, which triggered nationwide protests led largely by young Kenyans following widespread opposition to its proposed tax measures.

The demonstrations intensified pressure on his administration, eventually forcing the President to withdraw the Finance Bill after Parliament had approved it.

He suggested that memories of the Finance Bill protests were contributing to public suspicion surrounding the latest electoral legislation, despite differences between the two proposals.

The President’s remarks come amid growing political debate over electoral transparency, with opposition leaders and other stakeholders expected to scrutinise the proposed changes.

The debate is likely to remain significant as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, with questions surrounding electronic transmission and public access to results attracting attention.

Ruto, however, maintains that the proposed amendments should not be confused with restrictions on livestreaming, insisting that Kenyans will retain access to election information.

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