Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended his proposal to issue identity cards and voter registration documents to Kenyans living in Uganda, following criticism and allegations from the opposition that the move could facilitate voter smuggling ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a rally in Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, on Thursday, October 1, Murkomen said the proposal was intended to ensure Kenyans are not discriminated against based on where they live or conduct business.
The CS said residents of border counties have for years faced challenges accessing essential government documents, including birth certificates and national identity cards, particularly because of their proximity to neighbouring countries.
Murkomen argued that Kenyans living along the borders have the same constitutional rights as other citizens, including the right to vote and access government services.
"Those living along borders like those in Taita Taveta, Nark, Kajiado, and Trans Nzoia have the right to identity cards just like other Kenyans," Murkomen stated.
He said the government would identify Kenyans living and operating businesses in neighbouring countries and facilitate their access to the necessary documents.
"Even if you cross the border and work in a neighbouring country like Uganda, as long as you are Kenyans, we will give you IDs," he added.
Murkomen maintained that Kenyan citizens living outside the country should not be denied identity cards or voter registration opportunities simply because of their place of residence.
He pointed to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying the department was established to address issues affecting Kenyans living abroad.
"All Kenyans, including those in our neighbouring countries, have the right to register as voters. That is why we have a whole State Department for Diaspora Affairs. It is meant to support Kenyans outside our borders," he said.
The CS's latest remarks come days after he made similar comments while attending an event in Uganda, where he spoke about issuing identity cards and voter registration documents to Kenyans living in the neighbouring country.
His remarks sparked criticism from opposition figures, who alleged that the government could use the process to issue Kenyan identification documents to Ugandan citizens and subsequently facilitate their registration as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi subsequently called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to summon Murkomen and seek clarification on his remarks.
Muturi also challenged Uganda President Yoweri Museveni to clarify whether Murkomen's comments were connected to voter registration activities involving Ugandans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"Claims touching on voter registration activities in Uganda and Kenya's electoral process cannot be brushed aside. I call on the IEBC to demand clear answers, establish the facts, and protect the integrity of our elections," Muturi stated.
