Three arrested for illegally transferring voters in Eastleigh

Police have arrested and detained three suspects caught transferring voters illegally at a hotel in Eastleigh Estate, Nairobi.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO Ezra Chiloba has, however, refuted claims that Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits were recovered during the raid.

“One of the things that we also need to clarify is that there were no BVR kits found. In other words, there was no evidence that BVR kits were in possession or being used,” confirmed Chiloba.

Earlier, media reports indicated BVR kits were stolen during a terrorist attack in Arabia area, Mandera County.

Three suspects aged between 22 and 28 are currently being held at Pangani Police Station as police continue with investigations into the matter.

Eighty-three identity cards, IEBC voter transfer forms, a ledger black book and other voter registration documents were found during the raid.

According to the IEBC CEO, the duly filled voter transfer forms found at the illegal voter registration centre showed that all the voters were being transferred to Mandera North Constituency.

“Politicians are using all manner of tactics to boost their registration numbers, including voter transfers,” said the CEO.

Chiloba clarified that ID waiting cards cannot be used to register voters, saying that the law that allowed for the document to be used was expunged in the new electoral laws.

He reiterated the commission’s stance that the period to register voters will not be extended.

Jubilee leaders led by National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale have demanded a clear explanation from the IEBC on the illegal voter registration activities and whereabouts of the voter registration kits stolen from Arabia in Mandera County.

“The IEBC official who was the custodian of the BVR kits must be held [accountable],” said Duale.