Pressure Builds on IEBC Acting CEO to Quit Over Voter Register Concerns
Fresh pressure is mounting on the leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi publicly called for the resignation of the commission’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Moses Ledama Sunkuli.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, April 22, Muturi raised alarm over what he described as serious and troubling issues affecting the integrity of Kenya’s voter registration system.
He argued that the credibility of the country’s electoral process is at risk if urgent action is not taken to address the concerns being raised by citizens and stakeholders.
Muturi’s call for resignation follows a personal incident that, according to him, exposed deeper problems within the voter database. He explained that his driver, Bernard Munene wa Gatama, had originally registered as a voter in 2012 at Kavengero Polling Station.
However, a recent verification allegedly revealed that the voter had been moved to Newsite Kiambere in Mbeere South Constituency without his knowledge or approval.
The former Attorney General questioned how and when such a transfer could have taken place without the voter’s consent.
He pointed out that this unexpected change had serious consequences, as it prevented the affected individual from participating in the recent by-election in Mbeere North. According to Muturi, such unexplained alterations in voter records raise red flags about the management and security of electoral data.
He warned that if such cases are not thoroughly investigated and corrected, they could significantly erode public trust in the IEBC.
In his view, even isolated incidents can create widespread doubt among voters, especially at a time when confidence in electoral institutions is already under scrutiny.
Muturi further stated that the resignation of former IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan was not sufficient to restore accountability within the commission.
He insisted that Sunkuli, as the current acting CEO, must also take responsibility and step down to allow for credible investigations and reforms to take place.
In addition, Muturi highlighted that concerns about voter registration, data handling, and transparency have been raised consistently for over a year by political parties, civil society organizations, and ordinary Kenyans.
He criticized the IEBC for what he described as a lack of urgency and responsiveness in addressing these persistent issues.
As part of his proposals, Muturi issued a 14-day ultimatum to the IEBC to organize a National Electoral Consultative Forum.
He said this forum should bring together key stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, civil society groups, independent ICT experts, and members of the media.
The aim, he noted, would be to openly discuss and find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the voter registration system.
Furthermore, he called for a comprehensive and independent audit of the voter register, as well as the digital systems used in voter registration. He emphasized that the findings of such an audit should be made public to ensure transparency and rebuild confidence among Kenyans.
He also stressed the importance of clearly explaining the safeguards in place to protect voter data, especially regarding the use of voter registration kits.
Overall, Muturi’s statement adds to the growing scrutiny facing the IEBC, as questions continue to emerge about the accuracy, transparency, and reliability of Kenya’s electoral processes.
Join TUKO KADI Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
