With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, Kenya's political mobilisation is increasingly spilling beyond the country's borders. A delegation of Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has crossed into neighbouring Uganda for a cross-border political meeting. The meeting aimed to bring together political mobilisation, address concerns over the movement and documentation of Kenyans living and working along the border, and discuss security concerns.
The delegation, which included Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, was hosted by Kongasis MP Brian Kapyagon at Amanang Secondary School in Bukwo District. During the meeting, Murkomen sought to ease concerns over cross-border movement, assuring citizens of neighbouring countries that they would remain free to live and work in Kenya as long as they have the required legal documents.
Murkomen also called for closer security cooperation between Kenya and Uganda as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 polls. He emphasised the need for security teams on both sides of the border to work together to tackle cattle rustling and other security challenges. This comes as President William Ruto is away in the United States, and his political allies are taking their message into a border community and drumming up support for the administration.
The political pitch extended to Kenyans living across the border, with leaders urging them to return home for the 2027 polls and assuring them that distance should not stand between them and the ballot. Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau stated that within the East African Charter, there is the ability for free movement, and Kenyans living in Uganda and other East African countries should be able to exercise their right to vote.
Trans Nzoia Woman Rep Lilian Siyoi also urged Kenyans living across the border to exercise their right to vote, saying that as long as they have the necessary documentation, including an ID and IEBC card, they should not be hindered. The leaders' message was one of inclusivity and encouragement, urging Kenyans to participate in the electoral process regardless of their location.
Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba called for stronger people-to-people diplomacy and deeper East African integration. He stated that the border between Kenya and Uganda should not separate the two nations, and that the presidents of both countries are champions of East African Community integration.
The meeting in Uganda is part of a broader effort by Kenya Kwanza leaders to engage with citizens and promote their agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election. The leaders' visit to Uganda highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation and the need for Kenyans living abroad to be involved in the electoral process.
Key points
- Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Kipchumba Murkomen, have crossed into Uganda to drum up support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- The delegation aimed to address concerns over cross-border movement and security cooperation between Kenya and Uganda.
- The leaders urged Kenyans living across the border to return home and exercise their right to vote in the 2027 polls.
