DC orders chiefs to educate residents on BVR

By Renson Mnyamwezi  And Joseph  Masha 

Taita DC Njenga Miiri has directed chiefs and their assistants to mobilise residents to register as voters.

The DC challenged provincial administrators and aspiring candidates to rally residents to register. In Kilifi, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has sought support of village elders and religious leaders.

The DC’s directive came at a time when local IEBC co-ordinator Aisha Mohammed claimed that some youths were demanding handouts to register. “Talk to people to register in large numbers. If they register, they will be able to elect leaders of their choice,” said Miiri.

Ms Mohammed said IEBC had, so far, registered about 64 per cent of voters.

 “It is unfortunate that some youths are demanding bribes before they register. This habit is wrong and leaders should discourage it,” she said.

Addressing residents during Jamuhuri Day celebrations at Dawnson Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi town yesterday, she asked politicians to preach peace. Present were area MP Thomas Mwadeghu, former MP Mwandawiro Mghanga and several parliamentary and county representatives’ candidates.

IEBC co-ordinators for Kilifi North and Kilifi South constituencies attributed low voter listing to ignorance and fear of separatist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), which has called for poll boycott in Coast Province.

“A general attitude where people seem not to notice the importance of registering as voters has really affected registration,” said Kilifi North IEBC coordinator Hassan Mwakulonda.

His counterpart in Kilifi South Constituency Aisha Abubakary said IEBC has been forced to engage village elders and chiefs.

“We have been holding consultative meetings with chiefs and village elders so that they can help us in offering civic education to people,” said Abubakary.

Kilifi County Commissioner Erastus Ekidor has assured residents that security will be maintained to protect voters and IEBC officials. “We have mobilised security officers in all the polling centres to ensure there is security,” said Ekidor. Some residents are asking IEBC officials to visit homesteads and persuade them.

“Most people developed fear of being attacked by sympathisers of MRC and for IEBC to ensure it registers many voters in the groups strongholds, they need to go to villages,” said Mr Chiro Mwahunga said.