Muturi demands resignation of IEBC Acting CEO Sunkuli over voter register concerns

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Muturi alleged irregularities in voter data management at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), raising questions about transparency and accountability within the electoral agency.

He cited a case involving his driver, Bernard Munene wa Gatama, who was reportedly registered as a voter at Kavengero Polling Station in 2012. However, upon verification, Muturi claimed that the voter’s registration details had been altered, placing him at Newsite Kiambere in Mbeere South without his knowledge or consent.

Muturi argued that the unexplained transfer denied the individual an opportunity to participate in the recent Mbeere North by-election, terming the incident a reflection of broader systemic issues within the voter register.

“This raises serious questions about when and how such changes are effected, and why they occur without the knowledge of the affected voters,” he said.

The Democratic Party leader further asserted that the resignation of former IEBC chief executive Marjan Hussein Marjan was insufficient to address the underlying challenges, insisting that Sunkuli must also take responsibility and step down.

He claimed that concerns around voter registration, data management, and transparency have been consistently raised over the past year by political parties, civil society organisations, and citizens, but have not been adequately addressed by the commission.

Muturi pointed to what he described as increasing reports of discrepancies in voter records, including unexplained changes in polling station allocations.

As part of his demands, he issued a 14-day ultimatum to the IEBC to convene a National Electoral Consultative Forum. He said the forum should bring together key stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, civil society groups, independent ICT experts, and the media, to address the concerns.

He also called for an independent audit of the voter register and the commission’s digital systems, urging full public disclosure of safeguards governing voter registration kits.

Additionally, Muturi proposed the establishment of a transparent mechanism that would allow citizens to verify and correct their voter details with ease.

“If IEBC fails to act within 14 days, I will initiate lawful and constitutional measures to compel accountability and protect the integrity of the electoral process,” he warned.

Muturi emphasised that electoral credibility remains central to national stability, cautioning against what he termed as the “casual handling” of electoral matters.