Poll agency: Insecurity may disrupt voter registration

A moran guards his livestock at Silale near Nadome in Baringo on Tuesday after raiders attacked Nadome village killing over 50 people. Many have left the area fearing further attacks. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Baringo, Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expressed fears that insecurity in the North Rift region might undermine the continuous voter registration exercise.

The region’s IEBC co-ordinator Annastacia Mutua said the exercise has stopped in five of the six constituencies in Baringo County.

“We have only been able to carry out the exercise in Eldama Ravine constituency though the process is slow,” Ms Mutua said adding that officers cannot access Tiaty, Baringo North, Baringo South and Baringo Central constituencies.

Mutua said in Mogotio constituency, there was a low turnout of those seeking registration although it has been peaceful.

She said IEBC officials are scared to carry out the exercise as the area is very volatile following incidences of cattle rustling that have displaced hundreds of families and claimed many lives.

“We need to build peace. What is happening in Baringo may affect the general election because the number of people turning up for registration as voters is minimal. IEBC officials are afraid,” she said.

IEBC officials are forced to conduct the exercise in market centres in Tiaty constituency to woo residents into registering. An average of 2 people are registered every day, Mutua said.

Majority of residents in Baringo North are displaced and currently residing at Marigat town and most of them do not have identification documents.

Mutua said to ensure leaders elected enhance development, the commission will be conducting one week voter education from May 18 to 23 in Laikipia, Baringo, Nakuru and Samburu constituencies.

During the exercise, officials will be educating masses on importance of participating in election and electing leaders of integrity and who are accountable.

Exhibition of voter technology like biometric voter registration and electronic resource transmission will also be conducted in schools to familiarise voters for easier time during voting.

The education will also be conducted in at least two schools in every constituency.

SUGUTA VALLEY

According to the electoral officer, students are being engaged, especially those in Form Four and Three, on key governance issues to ensure the country has credible, integral and accountable leaders in future.

The team will also preach peace to enhance political tolerance across party and tribal affiliations.

“Taking education to schools is a measure of enhancing tolerance required to emphasize on the need for children to stop seeing those from a different tribe as an enemy,” she said.

The officials will also seek to reach marginalised groups such youths, people living with disabilities and women.

Samburu, Laikipia, and Baringo counties have continued to experience insecurity due to incessant cases of cattle rustling.

In Baringo County, over 20,000 people living in Baringo North and South have been displaced over the last one year.

More than 20 schools, have also been closed. IEBC usually uses schools as registration centres.

The hardest hit areas include Ngalacha, Ngaratuko, Arabal, Mukutani, Chepkewel and Yatia in Baringo county.

In Samburu, people have left Baragoi and areas around Suguta valley.