Kisii Governor James Ongwae has challenged the new Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure they deliver a free, fair and credible election.
Governor Ongwae spoke while meeting IEBC commissioners Dr. Roselyn Kwamboka and Dr. Paul Kurgat who paid him a courtesy call at his office on Friday afternoon.
While congratulating the new team following their appointment to the polls body, Governor Ongwae said it was important for the commission to work towards gaining public confidence and trust.
“Past elections have been characterized by apathy, poll chaos and general lack of credibility. We don’t want a recurrent of what has happened in the past during elections. This is why we want the commission to carry out a thorough clean up and audit of the voter’s register,” said the Governor.
On the ongoing voter registration exercise, the Governor noted that the region had experienced general apathy and only 22 percent of the targeted eligible voters (198,678) had registered.
“We need to scale up our voter education and sensitization programmes to ensure more register because we have about 10 days left. We are working closely with IEBC officers on the ground to ensure this is realized. From next week, you will see enhanced mobilization,” he added.
Dr. Kwamboka said the commission was committed to cleaning up the voter’s register, which she said was the engine of any election. She assured Kenyans that the commission would ensure the poll outcome reflects their will.
“We have the expertise and resources to deliver this poll. Kenyans shouldn’t be disillusioned because we have just started the job. Give us time and register in large numbers,” she urged.
Regional Elections Coordinator for Nyanza South Sara Ogaro announced that the commission would avail BVR kits in institutions of higher learning to ensure students register for the August 8 elections.
County Assembly Speaker Kerosi Ondieki, MCAs Samwel Onuko and Wycliffe Ombachi, CECs Vincent Sagwe and Marcella Otuke were present during the meeting.
Onuko asked the commission to tread carefully on the issue of deceased voters noting that in his Boochi Borabu ward, over 200 people had died over the past four years.
