Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has raised an alarm over the alleged “importation” of voters into Kandara Constituency, calling for immediate intervention by security agencies and the electoral commission to halt the practice.
Speaking during a fundraising ceremony in Muruka, Kandara, the CS alleged that outside actors are mobilizing individuals from other regions to register as voters in the constituency to skew local leadership outcomes.
Protecting Local Sovereignty
Wahome emphasized that the democratic right to choose leaders for Kandara should remain strictly with those who have a genuine stake in the constituency. She defined legitimate voters as individuals who:
- Were born in the area.
- Currently live or work within the constituency.
- Own property or business interests in Kandara.
The CS cautioned that “importing” voters is a recipe for poor governance, as outsiders do not have to live with the consequences of the leaders they help elect. “Residents of Kandara will ultimately bear the burden if unsuitable leaders are imposed on them by people who do not belong here,” she warned.
Call for Legal Action
Wahome called for the arrest and prosecution of those orchestrating these movements, describing the practice as a malpractice that undermines the integrity of the upcoming 2027 General Election.
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Her remarks coincide with a period of heightened political sensitivity in the Mt. Kenya region, where various factions are jockeying for influence. The call also follows recent statements by COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who urged a ban on political rallies to prevent premature mobilization and the potential for electoral manipulation.
Electoral Context
Under the Elections Act, it is an offense to provide false information during voter registration or to aid in the registration of persons in areas where they do not reside or have a documented interest.
As the IEBC prepares to finalize its new leadership following President Ruto’s recent nominations to the NCIC and other oversight bodies, the issue of “voter dumping” is expected to be a key focus for the commission’s security and monitoring teams to ensure a fair and credible electoral cycle.
