Katama Warns Against Voter Manipulation as Trans Nzoia Leaders Rally Ahead of 2027

Legal counsel Edward Katama Ngeywa Friday challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to  conduct  an Enhanced Continuous Voters Registration (ECVR) exercise across Kenya, ahead of the 2027 General Elections. 

Speaking in Nairobi Ndogo in Kapomboi in Kwanza Sub County during the internment service of the late Benson Chepwony Kiptum, Katama said that the exercise which was rolled out from 30th March to 28th April should be allowed to take place in all Constituencies to enable all eligible voters get registered.

"I'm therefore asking everyone here to take advantage of the process of registration was designed to bring registration to be able to fully participate in the electoral process next year and this is where true Democracy will have been displayed", he said.

Ngeywa who has expressed intention to deputise Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya during next year's general election said  that elections culminate the democratic process, and urged Trans Nzoia residents to Support the governor whom he said had been tested and proven.

"Through Governor George Natembeya, citizens of this great County have encountered immense development and experienced true democracy. Let us all rally behind him because chances are that none of those who have declared interest in the seat can dislodge him ", he said.

He said communities in Trans Nzoia had been badly hit by poverty, unemployment, political abandonment of the youth, growing mistrust of institutions, flooding, and displacement.

He said the issue of delayed issuance of Identification Cards (IDs), and allegations of voter manipulation which have turned out to become  challenges to the electoral process need to be addressed with the urgency that it deserves.

Saboti Parliamentary Aspirant Dr. Kisiangani Martin said voter registration shouldn't be turned into  a social injustice whereby those deemed anti establishment fail to be issued with the documents.

"Through registration as a voter, one gets  recognized by the state, and be able to participate in the public decision-making process and this is what  counts in shaping the  future of this Country", he said.

Kiminini Parliamentary hopeful Dr. Joseph wafula Dabo Dabo also weighed in on the registration of voters, saying "access to voter registration is therefore  linked to  equality, inclusion, dignity, and citizenship. 

Dabo Dabo who came number two during the last general  elections said time to  coerce  and intimidate the people of Kenya to vote for people with no clear cut agenda for the Mulembe Nation had gone and asked the people of Kiminini to rally behind his bid .

Dr. Wafula who has emerged as a frontrunner of the seat currently held by Maurice Bisau said democratic freedom was paramount to development of any nation .

He said he will restore public confidence and trust in the political leadership of the Constituency and enable residents to benefit from an economic stimulus , and enhance  education standards.

Former Sitatunga ward representative Daniel Kaburu said residents of Trans Nzoia will not accept foul play during next year's general election, and told IEBC to ensure that there's accountability, and a free and fair electoral process without manipulation.

"We are living in a Country where those who opposed the 2010 Constitution are openly defiling the very system whose fruits they have reaped. This  injustice will be coming to an end as we go to the election and we will kick them out", he said.

He said the Trans Nzoia community especially the youths that had stood behind Natembeya had  bore  the brunt of economic inequality, denial of unemployment after letters of employment were given to members of parliament who sold them to the highest bidders.

"We cannot sit down listening to the very same people who sold employees letters meant for vulnerable people coming to tell us they want to lead our people whose basic needs have not been met", Dr. Kaburu said.

Western Kenya Human rights Watch official Job Bwonya told Vipasho News that some politicians  were allegedly paying Ugandans to register as voters in the border County.

He said that one of the biggest risks of these illegal political immigrants registering as voters will be their own security since locals will not allow them to participate in the electoral process " We will be asking them where they have come from and why they want to participate in choosing of leaders outside their own Country.

He warned political  aspirants that are behind the clandestine move that they might fail terribly  to get elected .

He said  the voters registered in the neighbouring Country will remain stranded since those that sponsored then will have  lost in the election , triggering a crisis that may include the aliens demanding settlement.