Raila Odinga recently proposed a major change to Kenya’s voting process. He wants voters to be allowed to cast their ballots using only a national ID, without prior registration. He also suggested that voting should happen over multiple days, not just one.
At first glance, this may seem like a way to make voting easier. But the proposal raises tough questions.
Kenya has already seen cases where one individual holds multiple identity cards. Some have IDs under different names and locations. If anyone with an ID can vote, how do we stop someone from voting more than once using different identities?
Removing the voter registration process could open a loophole for rigging. It eliminates the double-checking system that confirms a voter’s identity, location, and eligibility. It could also allow non-Kenyans or impersonators to sneak into the system.
Election rigging has haunted Kenya in the past. Reforms were put in place to curb fraud. Now, this proposal could undo some of those gains.
Raila may mean well. But without safeguards, this idea could weaken the credibility of the 2027 elections. Kenyans deserve a system that is both accessible and secure.