The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has strongly denied recent reports by The Standard and KTN News alleging cross-border voter smuggling and unlawful registration of Ugandan nationals as Kenyan voters. In a statement issued on September 28, 2026, the DCI rejected the claims, citing a lack of evidence and inaccurate reporting. The reports alleged that Ugandan citizens were acquiring Kenyan national identity cards and enlisting in the voter register ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The investigative report by KTN News and The Standard claimed that official Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) equipment, including Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, was illegally transported across the border into Trans Nzoia County to facilitate foreign registration. The report also alleged that a local DCI detective intercepted the movement of the registration gear but was instructed to abandon the case under threat of disciplinary relocation.
The DCI countered these claims, stating that no such incident or disciplinary transfer took place. The agency described the publication as misleading and expressed concern over the timing of the broadcast as preliminary preparations for the 2027 General Elections get underway. The DCI also faulted the news outlets for failing to request an official right of reply prior to airing the report.
The IEBC responded to the allegations, dismissing the claims of illegal cross-border voter registration and equipment movement. The electoral agency noted that no political party, organization, or individual has provided concrete evidence substantiating the allegations. The IEBC clarified that KIEMS kits utilized during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were systematically secured at police stations and local IEBC offices before being returned to central storage facilities.
The DCI announced that it will formally raise the matter with media regulatory entities, including the Media Council of Kenya, while upholding constitutional guarantees of press freedom. The agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and preventing any attempts to compromise it.
The rejection of the claims by the DCI and IEBC comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections. The electoral process is expected to be closely watched, with concerns about voter registration and electoral integrity high on the agenda. The DCI's response is seen as a move to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
The incident highlights the challenges facing Kenya's electoral process, including the need for accurate reporting and the importance of verifying information before publication. The DCI's statement serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to adhere to ethical standards in their reporting.
Key points
- The DCI has denied allegations of cross-border voter smuggling and unlawful registration of Ugandan nationals as Kenyan voters.
- The IEBC has also dismissed the claims, citing a lack of evidence and emphasizing the security measures in place to protect the electoral process.
- The DCI will formally raise the matter with media regulatory entities, including the Media Council of Kenya.
