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Human rights activist Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity has accused President William Ruto of using the collection of national identity card details during state-linked handout exercises to influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Monday, Dr. Kinity claimed that the ongoing handout programme, which he said is concentrated in Rift Valley, Nyanza and Mt. Kenya regions, involves the systematic recording of personal identity details of beneficiaries before money is issued. He argued that the practice raises serious questions about the intended use of the data and its implications for electoral integrity.
Dr. Kinity questioned why Kenyans are required to present their identity cards in order to receive cash handouts, stating that such a requirement is unnecessary for genuine social assistance.
He claimed that many of those lining up for the funds may not be aware of the political risks involved in surrendering their personal details.
According to Dr. Kinity, the regional focus of the exercise suggests deliberate targeting of areas with significant electoral weight. He argued that if the programme were purely meant to support vulnerable citizens, it would be rolled out nationally rather than in select regions.
He further alleged that actions aimed at shaping the 2027 election are already underway and warned that the actual voting process could be rendered meaningless if advance manipulation of voter data and election systems is allowed to continue unchecked. He said such practices could undermine public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Dr. Kinity urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and to avoid exchanging their identity details for cash handouts, warning that vote-buying, whether overt or covert, erodes the sovereignty of the electorate.
He maintained that the misuse of state power to influence electoral outcomes would amount to a violation of the Constitution.
He also called for transparency in the preparation of the 2027 election, including clarity on the procurement of election materials and technology, and safeguards to ensure the credibility and verifiability of results.
Dr. Kinity is a counsellor and human rights activist, the chairman of the Kikimo Foundation for Corruption and Poverty Eradication, and a former secretary general of the Kenya Civil
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