Endebess MP Robert Pukose has issued a stern warning to youths regarding the alleged illegal registration of foreigners as voters in the 2027 General Election. He made these remarks at Chepchoina while hosting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during the official opening of an Assistant County Commissioner's office. Pukose emphasized that Kenyans living and working in Uganda have the right to return home and participate in elections, provided they are registered voters and meet legal requirements.
Pukose accused political leaders of trying to exploit young people for their own interests, singling out Pius Gumo, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Physical Planning in Trans Nzoia. He warned those inciting youths to stop the nonsense and threatened that anyone doing so should go to the border themselves and see the consequences. Pukose stated that Kenyans who moved to Uganda mainly for business reasons remain Kenyan citizens and should not be treated as foreigners due to their place of residence.
The MP's remarks emerge amidst broader political claims concerning Kenyan residents in neighbouring countries participating in the 2027 elections. Pukose criticized Governor George Natembeya, referring to him as a "fake commando" while contrasting him with Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, whom he described as the genuine "commando". Pukose claimed that the fake commando would go home since there is no development project he has done.
Pukose's comments prompted a response from Eliud Tormoi, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports and Culture. Tormoi questioned the focus on Kenyans living in Uganda and accused the national government of conflating official security roles with politics during Murkomen's visit. He acknowledged that the county government welcomed efforts to enhance security but opposed what he saw as political statements during the visit.
Tormoi mentioned unverified allegations that Murkomen had previously been involved in efforts to mobilise voters from neighbouring counties, including Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, and now from Uganda. He highlighted that Trans Nzoia has nearly 400,000 potential voters and questioned why political focus was being placed on Kenyans in Uganda. Tormoi stated that these voters are sufficient to choose their leaders in the county.
Tormoi linked this issue to the broader political contest for leadership in Trans Nzoia, alleging some leaders are trying to prevent Governor George Natembeya from maintaining influence in the county. He claimed that it is glaring to all of them that the interest of these leaders is to make sure that His Excellency George Natembeya does not re-guide Trans Nzoia for the next five-year strategic period in this coming election.
Tormoi further questioned whether voters from outside the county are being mobilised to sway local elections. He asked if they are about to force on the people of Trans Nzoia outsiders to decide on the leadership they want in the county. The issue has sparked a heated debate in Trans Nzoia, with leaders expressing concerns about the involvement of external voters in the county's elections.
Key points
- MP Pukose warns youths against responding to calls to monitor or block Kenyans returning from Uganda to vote.
- Tormoi accuses the national government of conflating official security roles with politics during Murkomen's visit.
- Trans Nzoia has nearly 400,000 potential voters, sufficient to choose their leaders in the county.
