A fresh political storm is brewing over voter registration in Kenya's border counties. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that the government will not stop the registration of Kenyans living in neighbouring countries. This move has been met with claims that foreigners are being registered to vote in the 2027 General Election. Murkomen insists that the exercise aims to allow Kenyans who cross borders for business to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, Murkomen defended the registration exercise, stating that only Kenyans are being issued with identification documents. He emphasized that Kenyans living abroad, including those in Uganda, will be issued with IDs. Murkomen's comments come amid allegations of illegal registration in areas such as Saboti, Kiminini, and Endebess constituencies. The CS urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to expedite the process for Kenyans living abroad.
Murkomen accused government critics of raising alarm over the registration exercise because they sense defeat ahead of the 2027 polls. He stated that instead of panicking, critics should do the right thing and join the right team. Murkomen's remarks have sparked a heated debate, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki issuing a warning against political violence. Kindiki inspected development projects in Tetu and Nyeri town constituencies, emphasizing the need for leaders to rein in their supporters.
Kindiki warned that leaders who engage in or encourage violence will face consequences. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate political violence and that leaders should focus on presenting their records rather than resorting to matusi. Kindiki's comments come amid rising cases of violence at political meetings in Central Kenya. The Deputy President stated that leaders who incite violence will be held accountable.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale rallied Nakuru's Muslim community behind President William Ruto. Duale praised the administration for addressing long-standing concerns affecting minority communities. He urged the Muslim community to support President Ruto in the next election. Duale's comments have sparked a reaction, with some Kenyans expressing their opinions on social media.
The registration exercise has sparked a heated debate, with some Kenyans expressing concerns over the issuance of IDs to Kenyans living abroad. Others have defended the move, stating that it is a constitutional right for Kenyans to vote. The IEBC has not commented on the issue, but it is expected to respond soon. The government has emphasized that the registration exercise is aimed at ensuring that all eligible Kenyans can participate in the electoral process.
The controversy surrounding the registration exercise comes amid a charged political season in Kenya. The 2027 General Election is expected to be highly competitive, with various leaders vying for top positions. The government has emphasized the need for peaceful and credible elections. Key stakeholders, including the IEBC and security agencies, are working to ensure that the electoral process is smooth and transparent.
Key points
- Kenyan Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen defends ID registration of Kenyans in neighbouring countries
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warns against political violence ahead of the 2027 polls
- Health CS Aden Duale rallies Nakuru's Muslim community behind President William Ruto
