Omtatah raises alarm over voters’ register lacking photos for millions of voters
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 22, 2026Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concern over what he terms serious gaps in Kenya’s voter register, saying an analysis shows that nearly six million registered voters do not have biometric photographs.
Taking to X on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and during remarks linked to proceedings in the Senate, Omtatah said the missing images weaken the credibility of the register and could expose the electoral system to manipulation.
He said every voter must be clearly identifiable in the system.
“I have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the voters’ register. An analysis reveals that nearly six million registered voters lack biometric photographs,” he wrote. “That is a fundamental breach of credibility. Every legitimate voter must be identifiable.”
Omtatah warned that entries without photographs create what he described as “faceless records”, which he said could undermine public trust in elections.
“A register that contains faceless entries opens the door to manipulation,” he said, adding that he has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to carry out a full audit of the register.
He urged the commission to remove all records that cannot be verified and restore confidence in the system.
“I have called on the IEBC to urgently conduct a comprehensive audit and remove all unverifiable records to restore public trust in our electoral system,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when scrutiny of Kenya’s electoral systems is increasing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muturi flags voter transfers irregularities
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has also raised concerns about the voter register, claiming that some voters have been transferred between constituencies without their knowledge.
Speaking in Tulia, Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County, Muturi said such changes could affect voters’ ability to participate in elections.
“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,” Muturi said.
He questioned how the transfer happened without consent and warned that similar cases could disenfranchise voters.
“When did this happen? Why was he transferred without his knowledge or consent?” he asked.
Muturi further claimed that some voters may be assigned to distant constituencies, making it difficult for them to vote on election day.
He has called for dialogue with the IEBC and demanded an audit of the voter register and digital systems.
The IEBC has in the past denied claims of manipulation, maintaining that the voter register is regularly updated and audited in line with the law.
With political leaders now raising renewed concerns, attention is likely to remain on the integrity of the electoral system as preparations for 2027 continue.