The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed a report by KTN News and The Standard alleging that its officers intercepted a vehicle carrying election-related materials at the Kenya–Uganda border.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 28, the DCI said the report falsely linked the agency to the alleged interception of a vehicle, questioning of three occupants and confiscation of materials believed to be related to voter registration.

The report, according to the DCI, also claimed that one of its officers had been investigating alleged electoral malpractice involving Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) voter registration materials.

It further alleged that the officer was warned to abandon the investigation or risk being transferred, before eventually being moved to DCI headquarters in Nairobi.

The DCI strongly rejected the claims, saying there was no such officer, arrest or transfer linked to an electoral investigation as described in the report.

“These allegations are false, inaccurate and wholly without foundation,” the DCI said in its statement.

Voter registration

The controversy follows an investigative report by KTN News and The Standard concerning alleged irregular registration of Ugandan nationals as Kenyan voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The investigation reported allegations that Kenyan identification documents and voter registration materials were being obtained or used across the Kenya–Uganda border.

It also raised claims that election equipment had been moved through the Suam border area in Trans Nzoia County.

The agency has also criticised KTN for allegedly failing to seek its response before airing and publishing the report.

According to the DCI, responsible journalism on matters involving national security and electoral integrity requires verifying information and giving institutions mentioned in a report an opportunity to respond.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, saying it would continue carrying out its mandate professionally and impartially.

The DCI’s statement comes a day after the IEBC rejected allegations of illegal voter registration and the movement of election equipment across the Kenya–Uganda border.

IEBC said it had not received credible evidence supporting claims of electoral malpractice, illegal voter transfers or the registration of foreigners as Kenyan voters.

IEBC further clarified that it does not issue Kenyan national identity cards or passports, saying those functions fall under other government agencies responsible for identification, citizenship and immigration.

The DCI said it would formally register its concerns with the relevant statutory bodies responsible for media standards and accountability, while respecting the constitutional guarantee of media freedom.

The agency urged media houses and journalists to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive electoral and security matters, stressing that verification of facts is important for maintaining public confidence in institutions and the electoral process.