Chebukati raises concern over people buying IDs from voters

The 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 General Election.

Addressing the media on Thursday, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said the commission had intel that some individuals were traversing the country seeking to buy IDs from citizens; an action he termed as an electoral offence.

“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.

Chebukati, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, said the commission was liaising with the police service to ensure the culprits were brought to book, as he cautioned 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,” he remarked.

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

IG Mutyambai and Chebukati similarly addressed the issue of stickers that had put the two State agencies at loggerheads saying they had reached an agreement to work together during the electioneering period.

“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.”

Chebukati revealed that NPS would be deploying over 150,000 police officers during the entire electioneering period in the hierarchy of ward level, constituency and up to the county level.