Murkomen defends ID registration of Kenyans living in neighbouring countries

A fresh political storm is brewing over voter registration in Kenya's border counties.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says the government will not stop the registration of Kenyans living in neighbouring countries, dismissing claims that foreigners are being registered to vote in the 2027 General Election.

Murkomen says the exercise is meant to allow Kenyans who cross borders for business to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia County while inspecting development projects in Saboti, Kiminini and Endebess constituencies, areas where the alleged illegal registration has reportedly been taking place, Murkomen stood his ground, insisting that only Kenyans are being issued with the vital identification documents.

"Kila Mkenya, hata ukienda kibarua yako Uganda, hata kama unaishi wapi. Bora wewe ni Mkenya tunakupatia ID yako. Nimeona watu wengine wanalalamika. tayari wanalia ati, 'Ooh, Murkomen anasaidia Wakenya wenye wako Uganda kwa nini wanapewa IDs?'" Murkomen said.

Murkomen says the registration will continue, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to expedite the process for Kenyans living abroad.

He also accused government critics of raising alarm because they are sensing defeat ahead of the 2027 polls.

"Instead of panicking, do the right thing. Do the right thing, join the right team and do the right thing so that you can survive. Na watafute mtu mwingine ya kutisha. Unafikiria mimi natishwa? Nyinyi mnajua Murkomen kweli?" Murkomen added.

His remarks come as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki issued a warning against political violence, with the country already bracing for an increasingly charged political season.

On his third Nyeri tour in less than a week, Kindiki inspected development projects in Tetu and Nyeri town constituencies before turning his attention to rising political violence, warning leaders to rein in their supporters.

"Sisi ile siasa ya vita hatutaki. Siasa ya matusi hatutaki. Kila kiongozi akisimama kwa jukwaa aseme ile kazi amefanya. Hakuna mtu anaomba kiti ambaye hajakuwa kwa uongozi. Kila kiongozi atoe rekodi yake,” Kindiki stated.

Kindiki took issue with rising cases of violence at political meetings in Central Kenya, warning of consequences for leaders found culpable as the country heads into a heated political season.

"Yule kiongozi atakuja na vita na kuchochea vijana kupiga wapinzani wake na kuumiza wananchi, wazee wa area hii wataenda kumlaani. Na serikali itamfunga. Lakini kabla afungwe, wazee watakuwa wamemlaani,” added Kindiki.

Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale rallied Nakuru's Muslim community behind President William Ruto, praising his administration for addressing what he called long-standing concerns affecting minority communities.

"Tunataka sanduku ya Rais. Next election, Insha Allah, sisi Waislamu tujaze asubuhi na mapema. Sisi Waislamu sanduku ya Rais tujaze asubuhi?” Duale stated.