Members of Kenya’s National Assembly have intensified pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following serious claims of irregular voter transfers affecting residents in Nairobi.
The lawmakers are demanding clear answers after reports emerged that some voters were unexpectedly moved to polling stations they never chose during the ongoing registration and verification exercise.
The issue was brought to light by Mark Mwenje, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi West.
He claimed that a number of registered voters in Nairobi were shocked to discover that their polling stations had been relocated to far-off areas, particularly in Garissa County, without their knowledge or consent.
According to Mwenje, these concerns surfaced during the ongoing enhanced continuous voter registration and verification process, where citizens are expected to confirm or update their voter details.
Instead of simply verifying their information, some Nairobi residents reportedly found themselves listed as voters in entirely different regions.
“Concerns have been raised that during the ongoing exercise, several voters within Nairobi County have allegedly been assigned polling stations outside Nairobi, with some reflected as registered voters in Garissa County,” Mwenje stated.
He emphasized that such incidents raise serious questions about the reliability and credibility of the voter register, especially with the 2027 General Election approaching.
The MP warned that if these allegations are proven to be true, they could significantly damage public trust in the electoral system.
He pointed out that transparency and accuracy in voter registration are essential for ensuring free and fair elections, and any irregularities could create doubt among voters.
“These developments raise serious concerns about the integrity, accuracy, and credibility of the voter register,” he added. “If confirmed, such irregularities have the potential to undermine public confidence in the entire electoral process.”
The concerns have also been echoed by members of the public, with several affected voters taking to social media platforms to share their experiences.
Many claimed they were surprised to find their voting details altered without their involvement, prompting widespread calls for the IEBC to provide immediate clarification.
Mwenje has now called on the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee in Parliament to urgently summon IEBC officials.
He wants the commission to explain whether the claims are true, reveal how many voters may have been affected, and outline the steps being taken to correct any errors in the voter register.
In response to the matter, Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, directed the relevant parliamentary committee to investigate the issue thoroughly.
He assured lawmakers that the matter would be addressed promptly once Parliament resumes from its current recess.
“What Mwenje is raising relates to alleged illegal transfers, not the normal legal transfer process. The House should expect a detailed response within the first week after resumption,” Wetang’ula ruled.
These concerns come at a time when the IEBC is actively conducting a nationwide continuous voter registration and verification exercise.
The commission has reported significant progress, registering over 1.3 million new voters within just 21 days. This effort is part of a broader plan to reach a target of six million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite calls from some quarters to extend the registration period, the IEBC has maintained that the exercise will end as scheduled in six days. The commission has so far dismissed proposals for an extension, insisting that it is working within its timelines to meet its objectives.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the IEBC and Parliament’s investigative committee to provide clarity, restore confidence, and ensure the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system remains intact ahead of the next general election.
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