TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed as baseless claims that Ugandans are being issued Kenyan national identification cards and registered as voters at the Suam border in Endebess Constituency, Trans Nzoia County.
Speaking to residents of Kiminini on Thursday, October 1, Murkomen said the leaders making the allegations have “sensed defeat” and urged them to align themselves with a coalition that is working.
“They are complaining that I am assisting Kenyans in Uganda to acquire IDs. I want to tell them that every Kenyan, regardless of where they are, has a right to have an ID, register as a voter, and vote in the next election. Instead of panicking, do the right thing and join the right team so that you can survive,” Murkomen said.
IEBC voter registration
The CS called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to constitutionally register Kenyans abroad so they can participate in elections and choose their leaders.
“I want to urge IEBC to understand that it is a constitutional right for Kenyans wherever they are to exercise their democratic right. Register them as voters, as Kenya has an option of diaspora voting at various embassies,” he added.
Murkomen also urged residents to come out in large numbers to apply for IDs and register as voters.
“It is your right to own an ID as a Kenyan, so that you can access all government services. Once you have your ID, come out and be registered as a voter,” he said.
He noted a planned grassroots mobilisation to ensure every Kenyan has an ID, praising President William Ruto’s directive to remove vetting during application for residents in border counties.
The President also scrapped the KSh 300 fee for first-time applicants and KSh 1,000 for replacements, making the process free.
Allegations and reactions
Murkomen’s remarks come days after an exposé involving Endebess Lawmaker Robert Pukose and his personal assistant, who were accused of helping Ugandans cross the border and register as voters.
The exposé claimed voter materials were headed to Amanang in Uganda, and that a senior DCI security official involved was transferred from the station.
However, IEBC dismissed the claims in a statement on Monday, September 28, saying no KIEMS kits were missing and that registering and issuing IDs and passports is not under its mandate.
Pukose also dismissed the claims before the National Assembly, calling them politically instigated and false.
He said the car shown in the exposé does not belong to his personal assistant, as he owns a silver car, not maroon as indicated.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi called on the National Security Council to investigate the alleged issuance of Kenyan identification documents to people in border communities.
Muturi said the government should establish the facts and take appropriate action if any laws have been violated.
Meanwhile, the removal of vetting has drawn criticism from leaders led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who said the move is a threat to national security.
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