The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed the occurrence of unauthorized voter transfers ahead of the August 9 elections, pledging to take strict measures against any officials implicated in the practice.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati stated that individuals transferred without their consent will be reverted to their designated polling stations. He emphasized that the national voter register, managed by local registration officers across 290 constituencies and 47 counties, is under their direct control. All register modifications were halted on May 4 for verification purposes.
"The commission does not tolerate this practice, as it violates Kenyans' constitutional right under Article 38 to vote at their chosen location," Chebukati said. "Transfers executed without individual knowledge will be investigated, and any officers involved will face severe consequences."
An internal memo dated May 25, 2022, revealed preliminary findings indicating potential unauthorized transfers lacking proper documentation. While the commission did not disclose affected regions or specific numbers, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein directed immediate reversal of all unverified transfers.
"All transfers without supporting documents, including application forms and ID copies, must be reversed urgently," the directive stated. Chebukati explained that legal transfers require formal requests and completion of Form 1C by registration officers. Voters displaced from their intended polling stations will trigger investigations and corrective actions.
The verification process, concluding June 2, coincides with KPMG's audit of the register. Chebukati urged citizens to participate in biometric verification through SMS and online platforms. A finalized, certified register is expected to be gazetted by June 9.
