IEBC Must Change its Voter Registration Model, Be clear on where Kits and Personnel are deployed, Opposition says
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 21 – The United Opposition led by Co-Principal Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has raised concerns over integrity of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) arguing that for many years the Commission has struggled to earn trust of Kenyans citing a persistent lack of transparency in its operations particularly concerning the deployment of voter registration kits and personnel a systematic failure that consistently undermines public confidence in the electoral process itself.
While addressing the media on 20th November 2025 the opposition said they hoped that the new commissioners would take office with a single-minded determination to restore IEBC’s credibility But so far the signs are not as reassuring as Kenyans deserve, It is time for the Commission to step up, for the sake of our democracy, our stability and the faith of every voter.
“For the sake of the country the commission must roll up its sleeves and prove its independence and must work with honesty and transparency, so that every Kenyan can see that it serves the people not the interests of the Executive or any political administration”, they said.
Additionally, they express disappointment on the Electoral body that it has not done enough to engage the public or provide the civic education necessary for a smooth and inclusive voter registration exercise.
Among the issues the opposition raised include ; The introduction of iris-scanning as a mandatory requirement was rolled out without talking to wananchi or properly explaining how it works arguing that it has created a voter register with two different standards, some with iris data, some without, raising real questions about fairness and consistency.
Limiting voter registration to constituency offices, during working hours only and excluding weekends is unfair to many Kenyans Workers, teachers, students and young people simply cannot access these services in such a short window.
“The IEBC must therefore change this model and carry out voter registration over the remaining period, on all days of the week and at the Ward level not the constituency level”.
“IEBC must be clear and open about where registration kits and personnel are deployed, including the unique identifiers of each kit and their locationsTransparency is critical if the public and all political actors are to trust the process”.
Further, the registration kits open without clear safeguards risks misuse Commission must explain exactly what data these kits capture and ensure strict quality controls, including independent audits once registration closes.
“Transfer of voters must follow the law to the letter very transfer should begin with a written request from the voter, and only proceed after full verification of residency and compliance with all legal requirements”.
Subsequently, Opposition reiterated that IEBC should publish a full list of staff involved in voter registration, together with their roles as transparency is the foundation of trust and without it, confidence in the process will remain weak.
“Kenyans deserve a registration exercise that is fair, inclusive, and above board Anything less is a disservice to our democracy”.
“When we raise these issues, let us be very clear, we are not guessing and these are not hypotheticals, We are speaking about one thing: the credibility of the forthcoming November 27 by-elections and the 2027 General Election and sealing the very loopholes that have, in the past, been used to compromise our votes”.
Dr. Musyoka noted that Electioneering, is a process and must cover the whole electoral cycle starting from registration adding that election does not need cheating on voting day to be stolen It can be stolen quietly in the shadows during registration, where oversight is weakest.
However, they commended IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee for calling out the perpetrators of the violence at Kasipul and finding both Aroko and Were responsible for inciting and allowing violence, which each fined Sh.1 million, payable within 48 hours of the ruling.
“We however note that security elements have been deployed in excessive numbers in strategic places in an attempt to intimidate voters this must be called out and stopped forthwith”.
“Such conduct erodes public trust, undermines the fairness of our electoral process, and violates the fundamental principles of accountability, neutrality and integrity that are the hallmark of public service”.
They call on the IEBC to educate voters on how to use their phones within and outside of the polling stationz adding that IEBC to ensure that the correct information is verified by all candidates before the final print of the ballot papers.
“Our nation stands at a crossroads and we must demand integrity, transparency and accountability in every institution, especially in those entrusted with safeguarding our democracy, Let us heed that call. Let us demand credible elections now and in the future, This is our moral duty”.
