Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended his call for Kenyans living in Uganda to be given identity cards and to be registered as voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections amid criticism and voter-smuggling claims by the opposition.Speaking in Kiminini constituency in Trans Nzoia, during a rally on Thursday, October 1, Murkomen said his call is aimed at ensuring no Kenyan is discriminated against because of where they live or do business.According to the CS, Kenyans living in border counties have long been discriminated against, especially during voting a nd issuance of critical documents like birth certificates and IDs.Murkomen argues that just like other Kenyans, those living in the borders have a right to vote and a right to services from the government."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 further adds that the Kenyan government will track those living and operating businesses in the neighbouring countries, like Uganda, and will issue them with the 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.He maintains that Kenyans living abroad will not be denied IDs or voter cards, warning against discrimination based on their place of residence. He further cited the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deal with such matters involving Kenyans in the diaspora."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 comments came days after he spoke about issuing IDs and voter cards to Kenyans living in Uganda while attending an event in the neighbouring country.Following his remarks, the opposition alleged that the government was planning to smuggle voters from Uganda by issuing Ugandans Kenyan IDs so as to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.Former Attorney General Justin Muturi called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to summon Murkomen to explain his remarks, and also tasked Uganda President Yoweri Museveni to come clear on whether the remarks had any connection 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.
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