Kenya Opposition Warns of Planned Electoral Rigging via Foreign Voter Registration

Opposition leaders in Kenya have accused the government of planning to rig the 2027 general elections by unlawfully registering foreign nationals as voters.

During a political event in Ciagiini village, Kirinyaga County, the leaders alleged that the Kenya Kwanza administration is facilitating the registration of refugees from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia into the national voter roll. Although the claims have not been supported by documented evidence, they have prompted concern among civil society organisations and political analysts.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), warned that any attempt to interfere with the electoral process would be met with strong resistance. 

“We shall guard the vote with vigilance,” he said, adding that the opposition is prepared to confront any electoral irregularities.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka said a whistle-blower had revealed that foreign nationals were being registered at voter centres in Nairobi. “Refugees should remain refugees. They are not Kenyans,” he said, while urging religious groups to pray for a fair electoral process.

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua supported these concerns, citing a video that allegedly shows protests in Mandera County over the issuance of Kenyan identity cards to individuals from neighbouring countries. “The IDs are being issued right, left and centre to foreigners,” Karua claimed, questioning President William Ruto’s commitment to national sovereignty.

The opposition also accused the government of training militias in undisclosed forest locations to intimidate critics, a claim they say represents a serious threat to civil liberties. Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party - Kenya, said the opposition remains united in resisting efforts to divide them. 

“President Ruto wants us to be divided; it will never happen,” he said.

Economic issues were also raised. Gachagua criticised the government for allegedly spending Sh70 billion on luxury aircraft while neglecting key sectors such as education. He claimed military and presidential staff had been sent to Vietnam for the procurement. 

“President Ruto does not care about our children,” he said, urging voters to reject the administration at the ballot.

Gachagua also apologised to residents of Mt Kenya for supporting Ruto in the 2022 elections and pledged to expose what he called political “traitors” ahead of the next polls. Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi accused President Ruto of committing economic crimes and called on Kenyans to reject his leadership. 

Kirinyaga Senator Kamau and Woman Representative Njeri Maina also criticised the government, pointing to the poor state of infrastructure and lack of market access for rice farmers in the region. The opposition has indicated that voter registration will be a key focus in their campaign ahead of 2027.