Embakasi West Member of Parliament Mark Mwenje has raised concerns in the National Assembly over what he believes could be irregular voter transfers from Nairobi County to Garissa County, drawing fresh attention to the integrity of the country’s voter register.
In a formal request addressed through parliamentary procedures, Mwenje called for an urgent response from the chairperson of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
His concerns follow reports emerging during the ongoing voter registration and verification exercise conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
According to the legislator, there are indications that some registered voters in Nairobi have allegedly been reassigned polling stations outside the county, with several appearing as voters registered in Garissa County.
He warned that if such claims are confirmed, they could point to serious flaws in the management of the voter register.
Mwenje formally invoked parliamentary procedures to seek clarification, stating that the matter falls under public interest and demands immediate attention.
He questioned whether the alleged transfers were authorized, how widespread they might be, and what systems are in place to ensure accuracy during the verification process.
The MP expressed concern that any irregular movement of voters across counties could interfere with their ability to participate in elections.
He noted that voters assigned to distant polling stations may find it difficult or impossible to travel, effectively denying them their right to vote.
He further warned that such developments could weaken trust in the electoral system.
Public confidence in elections, he said, depends heavily on the credibility of the voter register, and any doubts about its accuracy could create tension and suspicion among citizens.
Among the key issues Mwenje wants addressed is whether the reported cases have been verified and what steps are being taken to correct any confirmed anomalies. He also asked about the safeguards put in place by the electoral body to prevent unauthorized voter transfers, both across counties and between polling stations.
In addition, the legislator is seeking clear timelines on how quickly any identified errors will be resolved. He stressed that delays in correcting such issues could deepen uncertainty, especially as the country moves closer to future electoral processes.
The concerns come at a time when the voter verification exercise is meant to enhance transparency and ensure that all eligible voters are correctly registered in their respective locations. Any irregularities reported during this period are likely to attract scrutiny from both leaders and the public.
Mwenje’s request now places responsibility on the relevant parliamentary committee and electoral authorities to provide detailed explanations and reassurance.
The outcome of this inquiry may play a key role in shaping public confidence in the electoral system and ensuring that every voter can access their rightful polling station without difficulty.
