IEBC Responds to Claims of Irregular Voter Registration at Kenyatta University

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to a video circulating on social media alleging irregularities during a voter registration exercise at Kenyatta University.

In a statement on Thursday, September 10, the commission said it was aware of the video and clarified the procedures governing continuous voter registration (CVR) and voter transfer services.

"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is aware of a video clip circulating on social media regarding a voter registration exercise undertaken at Kenyatta University," the statement read.

IEBC said every eligible Kenyan citizen has a constitutional right to apply for registration as a voter and vote at a polling station of their choice. 

It clarified that voter transfer services are currently available at IEBC constituency offices across the country and are not offered at other locations.

The commission further said it was conducting Continuous Voter Registration at all 290 IEBC constituency offices, Huduma Centres and the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

IEBC explained that it can also deploy voter registration kits to strategic locations where necessary and based on operational considerations to reach eligible citizens, noting that this was what happened at Kenyatta University.

The commission also clarified that acknowledgement slips are issued only to newly registered voters. 

According to IEBC, people seeking to transfer their voting station do not receive acknowledgement slips because their details are already contained in the register of voters.

The commission maintained that its role is to facilitate the registration of eligible Kenyans and does not direct, compel or influence voters to select a particular polling station.

IEBC said it was investigating the allegations contained in the circulating video and would take action where necessary.

"The Commission has taken the allegations in the clip with the seriousness it deserves and it is currently working with relevant Government Agencies to take appropriate action in accordance with the law including making arrests where there is culpability," the statement added.

IEBC also called on members of the public to allow electoral officials to carry out their duties without interference as it continues with the voter registration exercise.

"The Commission urges members of the public to refrain from interfering with the Commission processes as it endeavors to discharge its mandate," the statement further read.

IEBC further urged Kenyans to verify information through its official communication channels, warning that misinformation could disrupt peaceful coexistence.

"The Commission further urges members of the public to rely only on official information from the Commission and cautions against use of misinformation to disrupt peaceful co-existence among Kenyans," the statement concluded.

This comes days after IEBC warned politicians against conducting early campaigns ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah reminded politicians that the Commission set the campaign period to run from May 29, 2027, to August 7, 2027.

Abdallah stated that the Commission would invoke the Electoral Code of Conduct to punish politicians who infringe the set guidelines.

"The Commission will enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct, imposing sanctions including fines, restrictions from public media, prohibition from public meetings and restrictions from specified areas," she stated.

Abdallah also warned politicians against the use of goons or armed gangs during campaigns that they risk being sanctioned by IEBC.

"The Commission has demonstrated resolve by sanctioning candidates with significant fines and warning that further breaches will attract disqualification or result cancellation. We will take decisive action against any actor, regardless of political standing," she added.