“Who Do You Think You Are?” Natembeya Fires Back at Murkomen Over Uganda Voter Registration Row

 

 By Wasike Elvis

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sharply responded to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over remarks concerning the issuance of identification documents and voter registration for Kenyans living in Uganda.

The growing political dispute comes amid allegations that foreign nationals could be registered as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has addressed claims surrounding voter registration materials and urged stakeholders to rely on the established electoral process. 

Speaking in Trans Nzoia, Natembeya insisted that foreign nationals should not be allowed to participate in Kenya's elections, arguing that only eligible Kenyan citizens should be registered to vote.

“Who do you think you are?” Natembeya posed in his response to Murkomen, challenging the Interior CS over remarks made during his recent visit to the county.

The governor said that, as the governor of Trans Nzoia, he would not allow Ugandan nationals to vote in Kenya.

Natembeya said the government should instead ensure that Kenyans living across the border are properly identified and registered through lawful procedures, rather than allowing foreigners to participate in the country's electoral process.

He further challenged Murkomen to focus on registering Kenyan citizens and allowing them to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

“If you want votes, register Kenyans and ask for votes in the right way,” Natembeya said.

The governor also linked the matter to national security, questioning how a Cabinet Secretary responsible for the Interior and national security could make statements that, in his view, risk creating uncertainty around the electoral process.

Natembeya's remarks come amid an escalating debate in Trans Nzoia and other border counties over the registration of Kenyans living in neighbouring countries.

Murkomen, however, has defended the government's position, saying Kenyans do not lose their rights simply because they live or work across the border. During a visit to Kiminini on October 1, 2026, the CS said Kenyans living in Uganda should be able to obtain Kenyan identification documents and register as voters if they meet the legal requirements. 

Murkomen has maintained that the policy is intended for Kenyans living in Uganda, not Ugandan citizens, arguing that residence outside Kenya does not strip a Kenyan citizen of their constitutional rights.

The controversy follows allegations that Ugandan nationals were being issued Kenyan identification documents and registered as voters in areas around the Kenya-Uganda border. IEBC has responded to some of the allegations concerning voter registration and has stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the voters' register ahead of the 2027 polls.

Natembeya has previously raised similar concerns and called for investigations into allegations involving the issuance of Kenyan IDs to foreigners along the border. The government has denied allegations that it is facilitating the registration of foreign nationals as Kenyan voters. 

The latest exchange adds to growing political tensions between Natembeya and Murkomen, with the two leaders taking opposing positions over border administration, security and the registration of voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The central issue remains the distinction between eligible Kenyan citizens living across the border, who are entitled to access identification and electoral services under the law, and foreign nationals, who are not entitled to vote in Kenyan elections.