Residents of Endebess Constituency in Trans Nzoia County are demanding investigations into allegations that Ugandan nationals were being enlisted as Kenyan citizens and voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The concerns emerged after a television expose alleged that some Ugandan nationals had been facilitated to obtain Kenyan identification documents and register as voters, raising fresh anxiety in communities along the Kenya-Uganda border.
Speaking at Mowlem Market in Chepchoina Ward, residents accused those behind the alleged scheme of undermining the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process and urged security agencies to establish the truth.
Trans Nzoia liaison officer Victor Walunywa said residents supported peaceful relations and legitimate cross-border trade but would oppose any attempt to influence Kenya’s elections through the alleged registration of foreign nationals.
“We know where our borders are, and we respect our neighbours. But nobody should be allowed to cross into Kenya and take part in deciding who becomes our leader. That would be a direct insult to our sovereignty,” Walunywa said.
Walunywa said local youth were ready to work with security agencies to protect the border while ensuring legitimate movement and trade between Kenya and Uganda continued.
Residents said the allegations had heightened fears in border communities, with calls for authorities to strengthen controls around citizenship and voter registration.
“We want leaders who are chosen by Kenyans and who have the mandate of Kenyan citizens. Nobody should bring outsiders into this country to determine who leads us,” local resident Nashon Simiyu said.
Peter Nangai called on electoral authorities to ensure voter registration safeguards were strong enough to prevent ineligible persons from entering the electoral register.
“This is Kenya, and Kenyans must be the ones to choose their leaders. Our electoral system must ensure that only those legally entitled to vote can participate in deciding the country’s leadership,” Nangai said.
Dennis Wanjala, a local boda boda chairman, said border residents were also grappling with poor infrastructure and inadequate government services, urging authorities to address the broader challenges facing the area.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), however, rejected the allegations, saying it had not received credible evidence proving that foreigners had been illegally registered as Kenyan voters.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said claims of illegal voter registration, unlawful voter transfers and registration of foreigners remained unsubstantiated, adding that the commission would act if credible evidence was presented.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also dismissed claims linked to the television report, including allegations that its officers had intercepted election-related materials or investigated an attempt to move voter registration equipment across the border.
The DCI described the claims as false, saying there was no officer, arrest or transfer connected to such an investigation as alleged.
