The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya has denied allegations of foreign voter registration and electoral irregularities during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. According to IEBC Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, the commission has received no credible evidence to support claims of illegality and malpractice. The CVR exercise, which began on September 29, 2025, aims to prepare for the 2027 General Election. Ethekon emphasized that the commission is committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent, and verifiable electoral process.
The IEBC has expressed concern over sensationalized reports from various media outlets and social platforms suggesting electoral irregularities. Ethekon stated that the commission has yet to receive any credible evidence of wrongdoing, but warned that where such evidence is presented, appropriate disciplinary action, criminal investigations, and prosecutions will be undertaken in accordance with Kenyan law. The commission has urged stakeholders to distinguish between verified facts and sensationalist claims.
The IEBC has clarified its mandate regarding the registration of eligible Kenyan citizens. According to Article 88 of the Constitution, the commission's mandate is strictly limited to the registration of eligible Kenyan citizens who already possess valid National IDs and passports. Ethekon cautioned that any association or references to IEBC in relation to the issuance of IDs or passports is factually incorrect, malicious, and intended to misinform.
The commission has detailed the rigorous administrative and technological safeguards in place to maintain Operational Integrity and Safeguards during the CVR exercise. Ethekon affirmed that all KIEMS (Key Information Management System) kits are commission assets and are secured at designated police stations or IEBC offices when not in use. He also stressed that only gazetted Registration Officers can delegate operational access to clerks, via unique passwords.
Since the new commissioners took office, the CVR has successfully registered over 2.6 million new voters, thanks to partnerships with civil society, religious groups, universities, and community leaders. The IEBC plans to expand diaspora registration to 26 countries for the upcoming 2027 General Election. Ethekon described diaspora registration as a constitutionally mandated function.
The IEBC has urged stakeholders to report any credible evidence of malpractice. Ethekon emphasized that the commission remains open to constructive engagement and encouraged any citizen or institution possessing credible evidence of malpractice to report it promptly. The commission cautions against the deliberate dissemination of misinformation calculated to undermine public confidence in the integrity, security, and credibility of Kenya's electoral processes.
The IEBC remains steadfast in its duty to deliver a free, fair, transparent, and verifiable electoral process for the 2027 General Election, undeterred by unfounded assertions. Ethekon reaffirmed the commission's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The commission's efforts aim to restore public confidence and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
Key points
- The IEBC has dismissed allegations of foreign voter registration and electoral irregularities during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
- The commission has clarified its mandate regarding the registration of eligible Kenyan citizens, emphasizing that it is strictly limited to those with valid National IDs and passports.
- The IEBC plans to expand diaspora registration to 26 countries for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
