Concerns over alleged manipulation of the voter register dominated parliamentary proceedings, with legislators expressing apprehension about suspicious voter transfers and irregular registration leading up to the 2027 elections.
The discussion was sparked by responses from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to Parliament regarding claims of unlawful voter relocations from their designated polling stations.
The allegations were raised by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, who stated that numerous constituents had been relocated to polling stations in Garissa county without their authorization.
However, the IEBC’s responses, conveyed to Parliament by Justice and Legal Affairs Committee member and Tharaka MP George Murugara, refuted these claims.
According to the electoral commission, illegal voter transfers are not feasible as the procedure mandates the voter’s physical presence and biometric authentication.
Mwenje remained unconvinced, further identifying several individuals he claimed reside in Embakasi West yet had been transferred to polling stations in Ijara and Balambala constituencies within Garissa county.
The commission maintained that any voter transfer must be personally initiated by the voter through biometric verification and formal application.
“The response I received was disrespectful. It suggests I fabricated the issues I raised,” Mwenje informed Parliament.
Nevertheless, he suggested that a third party might be deceiving unsuspecting voters.
“I am not implicating the commissioners or my returning officer, but someone is interfering. This problem affects multiple constituencies and demands investigation,” Mwenje stated.
He cautioned that failing to resolve this matter could result in numerous electoral petitions following the 2027 elections.
Funyula MP Ojiambo Oundo also contributed to the discussion, alleging that non-citizens were being assisted in obtaining identification documents and subsequently registered as voters in border constituencies.
He claimed that groups of individuals were being transported to areas within Busia county under an accelerated mass registration initiative and issued identification documents despite not fulfilling constitutional citizenship requirements.
“While this may serve political convenience, the peril we subjecting our nation to will endure for many years,” Oundo warned.
He pledged to present a formal question in Parliament on this issue, citing concerns regarding both electoral integrity and national security.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also demanded comprehensive investigations into voter transfer claims, noting that electoral disputes had previously thrown the country into political instability.
“When we learn of voters being relocated against their will or finding themselves registered where they did not intend, it becomes a matter requiring thorough examination,” he stated.
Wandeto urged parliamentary committees to summon affected voters and collect evidence rather than dismissing concerns.
However, Murugara defended the IEBC’s responses, asserting that allegations must be substantiated with concrete evidence.
“One cannot simply make accusations without specifics and expect investigations to proceed,” he remarked.
Murugara encouraged concerned MPs to submit names, identification details, and supporting evidence to facilitate proper investigations by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the IEBC.
The legislator also requested Parliament to ensure adequate funding for the electoral commission, emphasizing that sufficient resources were essential for ensuring a credible electoral process.
The IEBC also addressed concerns raised by North Horr MP Adhe Wario regarding the implementation of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, noting that services remained limited in the extensive region.
According to the commission, North Horr surpassed its voter registration target by recording 7,988 new registrations against a target of 4,204 voters.
The electoral agency acknowledged logistical challenges affecting voter transfer services in the vast constituency and indicated it was seeking ways to enhance internet connectivity, power supply, and outreach services at the ward level.
The commission also refuted claims by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria that holders of the new Maisha cards were being prevented from voter registration in Nakuru Town East.
“The commission recognizes the Maisha Card as a valid identification document and confirms that the voter registration system fully supports it,” Murugara clarified, adding to allegations that young Kenyans born from 2004 onwards could not register as voters were unfounded.
The IEBC challenged the Nakuru Town East lawmaker to provide specific instances of Maisha Card holders who had supposedly been denied registration services.