The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya has dismissed allegations of illegal voter registration, unlawful transfer of voters, and registration of foreigners. According to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the commission has not received credible evidence from any individual, group, or organization to support these claims. The IEBC remains committed to protecting the integrity of the voter registration process and ensuring that its mandate is exercised in accordance with the law.
The commission noted with grave concern the continued dissemination of misleading and unverified information concerning its constitutional mandate and preparations for the 2027 General Election. IEBC expressed concerns over reports surrounding the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which is being conducted across all 290 constituencies. The commission emphasized that it is required to maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register while operating independently and within the legal framework.
IEBC clarified that its constitutional mandate under Article 88 is limited to registering eligible Kenyan citizens who possess national identity cards and valid passports and maintaining the Register of Voters. The commission does not issue national identity cards or Kenyan passports, as those functions are handled by other state agencies responsible for identification, citizenship, and immigration. The CVR exercise has been ongoing since September 29, 2025, at designated and gazetted registration centers.
The IEBC also addressed claims that KIEMS kits used during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise had been misplaced, intercepted, or moved to unauthorized locations or foreign countries. The commission stated that all KIEMS kits are accounted for and remain in its lawful custody and under its exclusive control. Registration Clerks can only be authorized to operate the kits through a unique password and are mapped to specific electoral areas.
Regarding diaspora registration, IEBC stated that Kenyans living outside the country retain their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process. The commission plans to expand diaspora registration to 26 countries for the 2027 polls, having conducted registration in 12 countries during the 2022 General Election. The expanded diaspora registration will be undertaken during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Phase II.
The IEBC urged members of the public, organizations, and other stakeholders with evidence of electoral malpractice to report the matter to the commission or relevant investigative agencies. The commission cautioned against misinformation or sensationalist claims that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. IEBC will continue providing information on its preparations for the 2027 General Election and remain committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent, accountable, credible, and verifiable electoral process.
The commission's statement comes amid concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process and the upcoming 2027 General Election. IEBC's efforts to address these concerns and provide accurate information to the public are crucial in maintaining trust in the electoral process. The commission's commitment to protecting the integrity of the voter registration process and ensuring that its mandate is exercised in accordance with the law is essential in ensuring a credible and verifiable electoral process.
Key points
- The IEBC has dismissed allegations of illegal voter registration and electoral malpractice, citing a lack of credible evidence.
- The commission is committed to protecting the integrity of the voter registration process and ensuring that its mandate is exercised in accordance with the law.
- The IEBC plans to expand diaspora registration to 26 countries for the 2027 polls.
