Voter fraud fears rock the country as IEBC faces 2027 poll scrutiny test
Despite the gravity of the allegations, no official response had been issued by the IEBC or the NRB at the time of going to the press
By Adieri Mulaa
Fears of electoral malpractice have intensified across Kenya, placing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) under mounting scrutiny ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Allegations of illegal voter importation involving non-Kenyans, alongside claims of irregular internal voter transfers, have sparked political tension and raised fresh concerns about the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
The claims, though yet to be independently verified, have triggered debate in both political and legislative circles.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has accused state operatives of colluding with officials from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to allegedly issue Kenyan national identity cards to foreigners.
Speaking at a public forum in Trans Nzoia County, Natembeya claimed he had credible information suggesting that NRB officials had crossed into neighbouring Uganda to facilitate the issuance of Kenyan IDs to Ugandan nationals living near the border.
“Mr President, you abolished the vetting process for issuance of national identity cards. I have corroborated information that a team has been sent to Uganda to issue Kenyan national identity cards to Ugandans,” the governor alleged.
He further argued that the removal of stringent vetting requirements had created loopholes that could be exploited to compromise national security and electoral integrity.
According to the governor, the alleged scheme is designed to enable non-citizens to register as voters and influence electoral outcomes, particularly in Trans Nzoia County.
Natembeya, a former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and well versed with national security matters warned that such actions could erode patriotism and undermine Kenya’s sovereignty.
He also issued a stern warning to foreigners against attempting to participate in Kenyan elections using fraudulently acquired documents.
“You cannot come to Kenya to elect leaders for us and then go back. We will not allow it,” he said, adding that those involved in the alleged scheme would face consequences.
The governor’s claims come amid separate concerns raised in Parliament regarding irregular voter movements.
Embakasi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mark Mwenje told the National Assembly that there were reports of voters being transferred from Nairobi City County to Garissa County without their knowledge during the ongoing voter verification exercise.
“Concerns have been raised that several voters registered in Nairobi have been assigned polling stations outside the county, with some appearing as voters in Garissa,” Mwenje said during a plenary session.
He warned that such irregularities, if confirmed, could disenfranchise voters and undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has since directed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), chaired by South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, to investigate the matter and seek clarification from the IEBC.
The committee is expected to establish the extent of the alleged voter transfers and determine whether due process was followed. It will report its findings when the House resumes from recess.
Meanwhile, Fafi MP Salah Farah has raised additional concerns about the vulnerability of constituencies hosting large refugee populations.
He noted that Fafi Constituency in Garissa County is home to one of the largest refugee camps in the region, with an estimated population of over 300,000 migrants.
Farah cautioned that without proper safeguards, such areas could be susceptible to attempts at illegal voter registration for political gain.
He added that refugee populations are spread across several counties, including Nairobi, which could complicate voter management if not carefully handled.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, no official response had been issued by the IEBC or the NRB at the time of going to the press.
Both institutions are expected to address the claims as pressure mounts from political leaders and the public.
Analysts warn that if left unresolved, the allegations could erode trust in the electoral process well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Kenya has previously grappled with disputed elections, making the credibility of institutions like the IEBC critical to maintaining stability including the 2007-2008 post poll chaos that left thousands killed and scores displaced.
