ODM MP Peter Kaluma Calls for Complete Voter Register Overhaul Before 2027 Elections

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma issued a strong call on April 13, 2025, for extensive reforms within Kenya's electoral framework. 

The demands centre on the accuracy of the voter registry, constituency boundaries, and safeguarding against foreign interference in elections, issues that could significantly impact the nation's democratic processes.
Kaluma alleges that the existing voter registry is fundamentally flawed, citing instances of deceased individuals remaining on the rolls and multiple registrations for single voters, in some cases up to ten times. 

He claims this inflates voter numbers in specific regions, skewing electoral outcomes and granting disproportionate influence. He advocates for a complete reconstruction of the voter registry. The MP also scrutinizes the IEBC's financial requests, particularly the Sh62 billion sought for the upcoming elections. 

"Collapse the voter register and register voters afresh. The current voter register is full of dead people and individuals registered multiple times, some up to 5-10 times," he stated.

He suggests that inflated voter numbers are used to justify excessive budgetary allocations, implying potential financial mismanagement within the commission. While acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding constituency and ward boundary reviews, Kaluma urges the IEBC to examine current boundaries without altering them. He emphasizes the need to avoid protracted legal battles, especially given the electoral cycle's midpoint.
Kaluma also voices concerns over alleged collusion between the IEBC and foreign entities, which he argues undermines Kenya's sovereignty. 

"It is the reason you hear people from a region which comprises some 10 per cent of Kenya's population shout to all other Kenyans how they have over 30 per cent of Kenya's voters and therefore dictate who is Kenya's president! The voter register is irredeemably adulterated and must be entirely collapsed."

He insists that elections, as a vital tool for determining leadership, should be funded domestically to prevent undue external influence.