Fresh controversy has emerged around Kenya’s 2027 General Election after a media investigation raised allegations of an organised attempt to move voter-registration materials across the Kenya-Uganda border.

KTN reported that its investigation had uncovered claims of voter-registration materials being moved towards Uganda, with the Swam border area in Trans Nzoia County featuring prominently in the allegations. The claims have since triggered questions about the security of Kenya’s voter-registration process as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 polls.

The allegations have not, however, been established as proof of an organised voter-smuggling operation. They have instead prompted calls for the relevant authorities to examine the claims and establish whether any electoral laws or procedures were breached.

The Standard’s reporting on the controversy also raised questions about possible weaknesses surrounding voter registration and identification in communities along the Kenya-Uganda border. Its coverage has placed the issue within the wider debate over the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system ahead of the next General Election.

Citizen Digital reported that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of attempting to influence the 2027 election by mobilising voters across the Uganda border. Kalonzo made the remarks during a political rally in Busia County on Saturday, September 26, after Kenya Kwanza leaders had travelled to Uganda for a cross-border political meeting.

People Daily reported that former Attorney General Justin Muturi had called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to investigate remarks concerning voter-registration activities in Uganda. Muturi said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen should clarify his comments and provide details about activities linked to Kenyans living along the border.

The political claims have emerged alongside growing attention on the movement of people and documentation between Kenya and Uganda. Citizen Digital reported that Murkomen, while speaking in Uganda, said citizens of neighbouring East African Community countries who live and work legally should be allowed to do so as long as they have the required documentation.

The IEBC has strongly disputed the allegations surrounding illegal voter registration. The Star reported that IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon dismissed claims of illegal voter registration, unlawful voter transfers and registration of foreigners, saying the allegations remained unsubstantiated because no credible evidence had been presented to the Commission.

People Daily further reported that the electoral commission also rejected claims that KIEMS kits had been moved unlawfully across the border. The Commission said no KIEMS kit had been reported missing, intercepted or unlawfully moved to an unauthorised location or foreign country.

IEBC explained that voter registration is being conducted across the country at designated registration centres under the supervision of Registration Officers. The Commission said trained registration clerks operate the KIEMS equipment under controlled procedures, while the registration of voters remains restricted to eligible Kenyan citizens holding the required identification documents.

The electoral commission also clarified that it does not issue Kenyan national identity cards or passports. Those responsibilities belong to other government agencies dealing with identification, citizenship and immigration, while IEBC is responsible for registering eligible voters and maintaining the voters’ register.

People Daily reported that IEBC had registered nearly 2.94 million new voters by August 20, 2026, as preparations for the 2027 election continued. The Commission has projected a voters’ register of approximately 28.5 million people for the next General Election.

The controversy therefore presents two competing accounts. KTN and other media reports have raised questions about alleged movement of voter-registration materials and possible irregularities along the border, while IEBC maintains that claims of illegal registration, voter transfers and movement of election equipment remain unsupported by credible evidence.

For now, the allegations remain subject to verification rather than established fact. IEBC has urged anyone with evidence of electoral malpractice to submit it to the Commission so that specific claims can be investigated.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, scrutiny of voter registration and the integrity of the voters’ register is likely to remain an important issue, particularly in communities located along Kenya’s international borders.