MP Pukose under fire over threats against those blocking Ugandan-based Kenyans from voting

Endebess Member of Parliament Dr. Robert Pukose has come under scrutiny over remarks in which he threatened violence against anyone who attempts to stop Kenyan voters living in neighbouring Uganda from crossing the border to vote in the 2027 election.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, Pukose warned that anyone who tries to block the voters would be killed and their bodies dumped in River Suam.

The remarks have raised concerns over possible incitement, particularly among communities living along the Kenya-Uganda border.

“Ile itu mnatoa kutisha, ati wasikuje kupiga kura hapa, wewe unajua serikali ni ya nani? Wacha tuone nani anakuja, utajikuta River Suam na kichwa inateremka,” he said.

Pukose also turned his warning to opposition leaders he accused of seeking to stop voters from crossing back into Kenya, saying those who attempted to do so would face consequences.

“Hiyo vitisho mnafanya ni upuzi, usijaribu kutumia mtoto way mwengine…kama wewe unataka kujaribu, enda pale kwa border ujionee,” he said.

The remarks come amid political disputes over alleged registration of Kenyan voters in neighbouring Uganda and questions over how authorities are responding to such rhetoric.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has faced criticism over its handling of alleged incitement cases, with critics questioning whether enough action is being taken.

The commission recently said there was insufficient evidence to take action against Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma over remarks it had investigated.

The decision drew criticism from those who viewed the remarks as potentially inciteful.

Pukose made the remarks at a public function that brought together Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Administration Police Service Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.