Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for the immediate resignation of the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Moses Ledama Sunkuli, citing what he describes as “serious concerns” over the integrity of Kenya’s voter registration system.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, Muturi raised alarm over alleged irregularities in the voter register, warning that such discrepancies could erode public trust in the country’s electoral process ahead of future polls.
At the centre of his claims is a case involving his driver, Bernard Munene wa Gatama, whom Muturi says was transferred from his original polling station without consent.
According to Muturi, Gatama had been registered as a voter at Kavengero Polling Station since 2012. However, upon a recent verification, it was allegedly discovered that his details had been moved to Newsite Kiambere in Mbeere South Constituency—an alteration Muturi insists occurred without the voter’s knowledge or approval.
“IEBC acting CEO Moses Ledama Sunkuli must resign immediately over serious concerns on the integrity of the voter registration process,” Muturi said.
He further questioned the circumstances under which the transfer was effected, demanding clarity on when the change occurred and who authorised it. The former Attorney General noted that the unexplained transfer effectively disenfranchised the voter, preventing him from participating in a recent by-election in Mbeere North.
Muturi argued that the incident reflects broader systemic issues within the IEBC’s voter data management, pointing to longstanding concerns raised by political stakeholders and civil society groups.
“For over twelve months, political parties, civil society organisations, and citizens have raised serious issues relating to voter registration, data management and transparency. IEBC has chosen a path of indifference,” he said.
He also referenced the recent resignation of Marjan Hussein Marjan, arguing that it was insufficient to address the deeper institutional challenges.
“The resignation of Marjan Hussein was not enough. IEBC acting CEO Moses Ledama Sunkuli must also take responsibility and resign immediately,” Muturi added.
As part of his demands, Muturi issued a 14-day ultimatum to the IEBC to convene a National Electoral Consultative Forum. He proposed that the forum should bring together political parties, religious leaders, civil society organisations, independent ICT experts, and members of the media to deliberate on electoral concerns.
Additionally, he called for an independent audit of the voter register and the digital systems underpinning voter registration, urging full public disclosure of safeguards governing the use of voter registration kits.
The IEBC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
Also Read: Kisii Youths Protest Delayed NYOTA Payments