Muturi claims voter registration manipulation in IEBC system
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 22, 2026Former Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi has raised fresh concerns over Kenya’s voter registration system, warning that claimed irregularities could undermine the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a public meeting in Tulia, Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Muturi claimed that some voters have been wrongly transferred between constituencies without their knowledge, potentially affecting their ability to vote.
He gave an example involving his driver, saying the case reflects wider problems in the voter register.
“My driver, Bernard Munene wa Gatama, was registered as a voter in 2012 at Kavengero Polling Station in Mbeere North. But upon checking today, we found that Bernard is now registered in Newsite Kiambere, Mbeere South. When did this happen? Why was he transferred without his knowledge or consent?” Muturi asked.
He said the change had affected participation in a recent by-election, adding that the voter was denied the chance to vote.
“This is why he was not even eligible to vote during the Mbeere North by-elections,” he said.
Muturi warned that such cases could disenfranchise voters if their records are shifted to far-off constituencies without proper explanation.
He also claimed that the problem extends beyond isolated cases.
“Watu wanachukulia kura Nairobi wakiangalia wanaona kura zao ziko Mandera, Garissa ama West Pokot. Hiyo ni njia moja ya kuhakikisha siku ya kupiga kura hawataweza kupiga kura,” he said.
Muturi calls for IEBC dialogue
Muturi urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently address the matter and open dialogue with political stakeholders.
He also criticised recent changes in IEBC leadership, questioning the role of the acting Chief Executive Officer, Moses Ledama Sunkuli.
“IEBC, when we came to see you, and you agreed to remove Marjan, you left his assistant, who is the acting CEO, Sunkuli. Hii ukora yote inafanyika,” he said.
He further claimed that the electoral secretariat, not commissioners, may be responsible for the claimed problems.
“Hii ukora yote haiwezekani kuwa ni commissioners, ni secretariats who are doing it wakitumia hii inaitwa mobile registration scheme,” Muturi said.
Muturi also escalated his demands by calling for a national electoral dialogue involving political parties, civil society, religious leaders, ICT experts, and the media.
He issued a 14-day ultimatum to IEBC to convene a National Electoral Consultative Forum and conduct an independent audit of the voter register and digital systems. He said the findings must be made public and citizens must be allowed to verify and correct their voter details.
“If IEBC fails to act within 14 days, I will initiate lawful and constitutional measures to compel accountability,” he warned.
Muturi said the resignation of former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan was not enough, adding that Sunkuli should also step down over concerns about voter data integrity.
He maintained that electoral credibility is central to national stability and warned against what he termed as casual handling of electoral systems.
His remarks come as opposition leaders and other political figures continue to raise concerns over voter registration, election technology, and the independence of the electoral body.
The IEBC has in the past denied claims of manipulation, maintaining that its voter register is regularly audited and updated in line with the law.
With less than two years to the 2027 General Election, scrutiny of the commission continues to intensify as calls for reforms grow louder.