IEBC Raises Alarm over Individuals Buying IDs from Voters Ahead of August Elections

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised alarm over cases of people buying national identity cards (IDs) from registered voters ahead of the August 9th general elections.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati says the commission has received information that some individuals are going around the country buying IDs from Kenyans which he termed an electoral offense.

“It has come to our attention that there are some people who are going round in a few areas buying IDs from voters,” Chebukati said during media briefing on Thursday.

He pointed out that the commission is working closely with the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure the culprits are brought to book even as he warned Kenyans against falling prey to such illegalities.

“The information has been passed over to the Inspector General of Police and action will be taken on those individuals who are going round buying IDs from Kenyans who are registered voters,” Chebukati stated.

“We appeal to Kenyans, don’t sell the ID, don’t sell your democratic and constitutional right to vote.”

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, who held a joint press briefing with Chebukati, said the IEBC and NPS agreed to work together during the electioneering period despite their earlier differences on elections stickers confiscated from three Venezuelan nationals at JKIA last week.

“As the IG of police service, I wish to assure Kenyans that NPS is and remains committed to partnering and supporting IEBC to conduct and deliver free, fair, and credible 2022 General Election,” said Mutyambai.

“With regard to investigations revolving around electoral stickers recently imported into the country, I wish to inform Kenyans that the matter has been resolved.”