Muturi demands forensic audit of voters’ roll over data security concerns
By Faith Lagat, April 10, 2026Former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has called for an immediate independent forensic audit of Kenya’s voter register and population register, citing concerns about data security and possible manipulation ahead of the 2027 general election.
His call follows a case involving 27-year-old Morris Kioko from Kiembeni in Mombasa County, who discovered that he had been registered in 2013.
The incident has raised questions about the accuracy and security of the voter database as the voter registration continues across the country.
Kioko case sparks concern
In a statement posted on X on Friday, April 10, 2026, Muturi described the incident as “The Kioko Scandal” and said it pointed to possible interference within the electoral system.
“Identities do not duplicate themselves. Systems do not alter themselves. People do,” Muturi declared.
He warned that if one Kenyan could be “pre-registered” without consent, it could indicate the presence of many irregular entries in the voters’ roll.
“This is how democracies are subverted, not in the open, but through silent, systematic interference with the voters’ roll,” he added.
Muturi said the issue required urgent investigation to restore confidence in the country’s electoral infrastructure before the next general election.
Questions over data security
The DP leader also directed his concerns to the Office of the Data Commissioner, asking for assurances that Kenyans’ personal and biometric data is secure.
He called for clarification over claims that sensitive biodata and biometric information may be stored outside the country, including in Dubai, under private entities.
Muturi demanded an independent forensic audit of both the population register and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) voters’ roll.
“Kenyans must not become mere spectators in the theft of their own democracy,” he said.
He added that any individuals found responsible for irregularities should be held accountable, regardless of their position.
Opposition leaders raise alarm
Muturi’s remarks come as several opposition leaders continue to question the preparedness of electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 polls.
On the same day, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, speaking in Masinga, Machakos County, cautioned the IEBC against being used to manipulate votes during the election.
He warned IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and the commission against external interference that could undermine the will of voters.
Wamalwa also questioned the reliability of election technology being deployed and mentioned Smartmatic while calling for the removal of officials with questionable records from the IEBC secretariat.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has previously raised similar concerns. In late March 2026, he described the upcoming election as a “revolutionary election” and urged the commission to safeguard the credibility of the process.
The IEBC has maintained that the voter register is audited, accurate, secure and biometrically verifiable.
However, cases such as Kioko’s and ongoing questions over data storage and technology contracts have continued to fuel debate about the integrity of the electoral system as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.