IEBC Petitioned Over Alleged Plans to Rig Mbeere North By-Elections​​

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has raised alarm over what he describes as a serious and organized plan to influence the outcome of the Mbeere North by-elections. 

Muturi, who also served as the Speaker of the National Assembly, asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to move quickly and stop any attempts to interfere with the will of the people.

Speaking on Friday, November 21, Muturi said he had received information showing that a group of powerful politicians was planning to rig the by-elections in favour of a candidate believed to be close to the government. 

He claimed the politicians were preparing to hire goons to disrupt voting in some polling stations and bribe voters on election day.

According to Muturi, the plan is no longer just a rumour. He said the scheme is organized, funded, and already being implemented. 

He explained that the group intends to bring goons from Nairobi and Kiambu under the support of some National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). 

The goons would then be escorted to polling stations by rogue officers from the National Police Service (NPS) to cause chaos and intimidate voters.

Muturi said residents of Mbeere North have already seen unfamiliar individuals moving around places such as Kanyuambura, Ishiara, and Siakago towns. 

He added that this unusual presence gives weight to the allegations that people are being imported to interfere with the election.

In his petition to IEBC, Muturi demanded that the Commission take immediate action. He asked IEBC to ensure security is strengthened at all polling stations and that officers involved in the elections act professionally. 

He also requested the electoral body to prepare and provide an updated voter register to prevent cases where voters find their names missing or misplaced.

Muturi insisted that the people of Mbeere North will not accept intimidation or bribery. 

He stated that democracy cannot be sold, and the will of the people must be respected. He warned that any attempt to interfere with the process would be strongly resisted by the community.

The former Attorney General also asked IEBC to respond to the concerns raised and explain the steps it will take to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election on November 27. 

He urged the Commission to restore confidence among voters by showing clear commitment to fairness.

Muturi’s statement comes just a day after IEBC issued a separate warning to Kenyans about the dangers of double voter registration and falsifying personal information. 

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethokon reminded the public that such acts are illegal and can influence election results.