Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto’s administration of laying the groundwork to influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election through the alleged irregular issuance of Kenyan identity documents and passports to foreign nationals.
Speaking in Meru Town on Saturday under the umbrella of the United Alternative Government (UAG), the leaders claimed the alleged scheme could allow non-citizens to be entered into the country’s voter register.
The opposition delegation was led by Kalonzo Musyoka alongside Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi.
In a joint statement, the leaders alleged that individuals from neighbouring countries were being registered as Kenyan citizens, which they claimed could undermine the credibility of future elections.
They further claimed that some foreign youth were allegedly being positioned across parts of the country to influence political activities and intimidate voters ahead of the polls.
“The integrity of Kenya’s identification system must be protected. National identity documents are not political tools,” Musyoka said.
The opposition also questioned the alleged issuance of Kenyan passports to individuals they claim are connected to regional conflicts, warning that such actions could damage the country’s international reputation.
According to the leaders, the situation could expose Kenya to heightened diplomatic scrutiny and security risks.
The statement also raised concerns about reports that Kenyan youth had been recruited into overseas conflicts after being promised employment opportunities abroad.
The leaders alleged that some of those recruited ended up in combat situations linked to the ongoing war in Eastern Europe, with several reportedly returning to the country with accounts of being forced into military service.
They called for urgent investigations into recruitment networks that may be exploiting vulnerable young people.
Calls to assist Kenyans stranded abroad
The opposition also criticised the government’s response to Kenyans reported to be stranded in parts of the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
They argued that the state has a duty to facilitate the safe return of citizens facing distress abroad and should not require them to pay for their own evacuation.
“Protecting Kenyan citizens, whether at home or abroad, is a constitutional obligation of the government,” the leaders said.
Concerns over criminal networks
In their statement, the leaders also accused the administration of allowing Kenya to become vulnerable to transnational criminal networks.
They referenced the controversial detention and transfer of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, arguing that the incident raised concerns about adherence to constitutional safeguards.
Appeal amid heavy rains
Despite the political criticism, the opposition leaders also urged Kenyans to remain cautious as heavy rains continue to affect several regions.
They asked residents to avoid flooded areas and heed safety warnings from authorities after flash floods claimed lives and destroyed vehicles in multiple counties.
The leaders said safeguarding lives should remain a priority as the country navigates the ongoing weather crisis.
