Vote smuggling: Registration bureau, IEBC on the spot as Ugandans issued IDs and voters cards

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rejected claims that foreigners are being registered as voters in Kenya, demanding any such allegations be backed by evidence. The Commission stated that these claims are "unsubstantiated and untrue" as it continues preparations for the 2027 General Election.

IEBC Chair Erustus Ethekon said credible evidence of malpractice will result in disciplinary action, including criminal investigations if necessary. Voter registration is governed by the Constitution, Elections Act, and other electoral laws, with Kenyan citizens needing to present valid identification documents like a national ID card or Kenyan passport.

IEBC emphasized that it does not issue national IDs or passports, and focuses on registering eligible Kenyan citizens, maintaining the voter register, and running a regulated and structured process. The Commission expressed concern over misleading, unverified, and sensationalized reports, which could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

CVR has been ongoing since September 29, 2025, at designated registration centers across all 290 constituencies. The Commission has worked with various groups to support registration and has registered over 2.6 million new voters since the current commissioners took office. The Commission remains open to credible reports of malpractice as it prepares for the 2027 election, aiming to deliver a "free, fair, transparent, accountable, credible, and verifiable" election.