Moses Wetangua asks five MPs to marshal early voter registration

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula. [PHOTO: STANDARD/FILE]

By GRACE WEKESA

BUNGOMA COUNTY: Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula has asked MPs from the five counties in Western region to spearhead voter registration in all the constituencies.

Speaking at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Wetang’ula said voter registration is supposed to be a continuous process even after the General Election to ensure those not captured by the electoral body get ample time to register.

“The Constitution says voter registration is a continuous procedure. I ask legislators from this region to ensure there are enough funds to facilitate this and we should not wait three months to the 2017 elections to begin the registration,” said the senator.

The former Sirisia MP claimed the last minute rush often witnessed in voter registration was inconveniencing many voters who get discouraged by long queues and other strenuous procedures in registration.

“The Luhya community is the second largest in population and we must capitalise on this to ensure that we make an impact at the polls,” he added.

The senator said the youth are the most crucial segment in the drive since most failed to participate in previous elections.

SPEAK IN ONE VOICE

Wetang’ula said the process had to start by ensuring that the youth obtain identification cards.

“Youth should be considered as a key priority group by ensuring they acquire identity cards. The Constitution says that a voter requires an identity card to cast a ballot which is why we should ensure those without IDs get them fast,” Wetang’ula observed.

His sentiments were echoed by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa who said the only way the country could avoid ‘tyranny of numbers’ is to ensure all the eligible voters are registered and participate in the elections.

Wamalwa called on Luhya leaders to unite to enable the region speak in one voice. He said leaders should desist from betraying the region by taking up positions in the Jubilee government.

“Luhyas should remain united in order to make a bigger impact during national polls. This is the only way to avoid ‘tyranny of numbers’ by other communities,” he said.