Parliament Demands Answers from IEBC Over Voter Register Irregularities

Parliament Demands Answers from IEBC Over Voter Register Irregularities

Members of the National Assembly have intensified pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to address emerging concerns over alleged irregularities in the voter register, following reports that some voters have been transferred to polling stations without their consent.

The issue was raised in Parliament by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, who claimed that a number of registered voters in Nairobi had discovered their polling stations had been shifted to locations outside the county, including in Garissa County.

According to Mwenje, the anomalies were identified during the ongoing enhanced continuous voter registration and verification exercise, prompting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“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,” he told the House.

The legislator warned that if the claims are substantiated, they could have far-reaching implications on public trust in Kenya’s electoral system, particularly at a time when the country is preparing for a critical election cycle.

“This development raises concerns regarding the integrity, accuracy and credibility in the voter register,” Mwenje added.

He further cautioned that such discrepancies, if not urgently addressed, could undermine confidence in the ability of the IEBC to conduct free and fair elections.

“Such irregularity, if confirmed, have the potential to undermine confidence in the electoral process,” he noted.

The concerns mirror complaints raised by members of the public on social media, where some voters reported discovering unexpected changes to their polling stations. The claims have sparked widespread debate, with calls for immediate clarification from the electoral body.

Mwenje urged Parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to summon IEBC officials to provide a comprehensive explanation on the matter, including the number of affected voters and the steps being taken to correct any anomalies.

In response, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula directed the relevant committee to investigate the claims and present a report once Parliament resumes from recess.

“What Mwenje is asking for is an illegal transfer, not a legal transfer. Expect a response within the first week upon resumption,” Wetang’ula ruled.

The directive sets the stage for parliamentary scrutiny of the electoral body at a time when voter registration efforts are in full swing. According to IEBC, the current exercise has already recorded over 1.3 million new voters within the first 21 days.

The commission has maintained that the exercise is proceeding as planned and has dismissed proposals to extend the registration period, indicating that it is targeting at least 6 million new voters ahead of the 2027 polls.

Analysts note that the credibility of the voter register remains a cornerstone of any democratic election, with accuracy and transparency seen as essential in maintaining public trust. Any perceived irregularities, particularly involving voter transfers, are likely to attract heightened scrutiny from both political leaders and the public.

The developments come against the backdrop of Kenya’s history of contested elections, where concerns over voter registration and electoral management have often played a central role in political discourse.

As the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee prepares to probe the matter, attention will focus on whether the IEBC can provide clear answers and implement corrective measures to address the concerns raised.

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Parliament Demands Answers from IEBC Over Voter Register Irregularities