DCI and IEBC Reject Voter Smuggling Reports as Opposition Maintains Claims
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have separately dismissed reports alleging voter smuggling and the registration of foreign nationals ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The reports, aired by KTN News and published by The Standard newspaper, alleged that Ugandan nationals were acquiring Kenyan national identity cards and registering as voters, and that election materials were being moved across the border in Trans Nzoia County.
DCI Denies Officer Involvement
In a statement on Monday, September 28, the DCI denied reports linking one of its officers to an alleged electoral malpractice investigation involving IEBC voter registration materials.
The Directorate described the allegations as false, inaccurate and wholly without foundation, and questioned the timing of the report as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has noted, with grave concern, a report aired by KTN News and published by The Standard newspaper purporting to link the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to an alleged interception of a vehicle at the Uganda border, questioning of three occupants of the said vehicle and confiscation of election-related materials,” the DCI stated.
“These allegations are false, inaccurate and wholly without foundation. Of particular concern is the timing. The report has been released as the country begins preparations for the 2027 General Elections,” it added.
According to the report, a DCI officer intercepted the registration materials but was warned to abandon the matter or face transfer, and was later transferred to DCI Headquarters.
The DCI dismissed the claims, maintaining that no arrest was made and no transfer of its officers was conducted.
“There is no such officer, no such arrest as portrayed and no such transfer linked to any electoral investigation as described in the report. The publication is therefore misleading,” the DCI said.
DCI Faults KTN for Failing to Seek Response
The DCI faulted KTN News for allegedly failing to seek its response before airing and publishing the report, saying responsible journalism on matters of national security and electoral integrity requires verification and an opportunity for the institution concerned to respond.
The agency said it would formally register its concern with the relevant statutory bodies responsible for media standards and accountability, including the Media Council of Kenya.
“The DCI will formally register its concern with the relevant statutory bodies mandated to uphold media standards and accountability. This will be done while fully respecting the constitutional guarantee of media freedom,” it added.
IEBC Also Rejects Claims
The DCI’s response came hours after the IEBC also dismissed the reports, citing a lack of credible evidence.
In a statement on Sunday, the IEBC termed the report “sensationalized and unsubstantiated,” arguing that it risks undermining confidence in the electoral process.
“To date no entity, organization, group or individual has submitted to the Commission any credible evidence supporting any such allegations of illegality and malpractice,” the IEBC said.
“Where credible evidence is presented, the Commission shall take appropriate action including disciplinary action, investigation into criminal conduct and where culpability is established, criminal prosecution and punishment shall be undertaken in accordance with the laws of Kenya.”
The IEBC clarified that it does not issue national identity cards or passports, saying those functions fall within the mandate of other state agencies.
Opposition Maintains Voter Smuggling Claims
Meanwhile, the opposition has maintained that foreigners living close to Kenya’s borders are being issued with IDs and registered as voters, raising fears over the credibility of the coming elections.
Opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government (UAG) have accused President William Ruto of plotting to rig the 2027 General Election through the alleged illegal issuance of identity documents and passports to foreign nationals.
The leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi, claim the plan involves registering foreigners as voters and allegedly deploying foreign militias to influence the election outcome.
They alleged that foreign nationals from Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania are being unlawfully added to Kenya’s voter register.
What Happens Next
The DCI’s threat to formally register its concerns with the Media Council of Kenya signals a potential escalation in the dispute between the investigative agency and Standard Media Group.
The IEBC, meanwhile, has challenged anyone with evidence of malpractice to come forward, saying it remains open to credible reports as it prepares for the 2027 election.
With the opposition maintaining its claims and the electoral commission and DCI rejecting them, the dispute is likely to remain a contentious issue in the lead-up to the General Election.