The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has denied allegations of voter smuggling at the Kenya-Uganda border. The claims, made public in a recent exposé, suggested that some Ugandans were being facilitated to acquire Kenyan IDs and voter cards to vote illegally in the 2027 General Election. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the report was "sensationalized and unsubstantiated" and risked undermining confidence in the electoral process.
According to the exposé, a Ugandan national claimed that acquiring a Kenyan ID and voter card was a seamless process. The individual stated that at the same location where they registered for a Kenyan ID, they could also register as a Kenyan voter. More nationals claimed that some locations in Uganda were being used to process Kenyan IDs. The IEBC, however, maintains that there is no credible evidence to support these allegations.
The IEBC conducted a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise from September 29, 2026, to April 9, 2026, during which 2,612,725 new voters were enlisted. The Commission also facilitated 49,502 transfers and 1,066 cases of changing particulars. In 2022, the Commission had 22.1 million registered voters and targets 28.5 million for the 2027 General Election.
IEBC emphasized that it takes allegations of malpractice seriously and will take action if credible evidence is presented. The Commission stated that it would investigate alleged malpractice, take disciplinary action, and pursue criminal prosecution and punishment in accordance with Kenyan laws.
The IEBC is also expanding voter registration for citizens residing outside Kenya from 12 to 26 countries. This move aims to advance the progressive constitutional right of eligible Kenyans residing outside the country to participate in elections.
In response to the allegations, IEBC urged the public not to undermine the electoral process with unverified claims. The Commission reassured the public that it is committed to ensuring the integrity of the voter registration process and the 2027 General Election.
The 2027 General Election is expected to be a significant event in Kenya's history, with the IEBC working to increase voter registration and participation. The Commission's efforts to expand voter registration and address allegations of malpractice aim to ensure the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
Key points
- The IEBC has dismissed claims of voter smuggling at the Kenya-Uganda border, calling them "sensationalized and unsubstantiated".
- The Commission conducted a CVR exercise, enlisting 2,612,725 new voters and facilitating 49,502 transfers and 1,066 cases of changing particulars.
- The IEBC is expanding voter registration for citizens residing outside Kenya from 12 to 26 countries.
