LSK President Okero warns public officers against voters’ intimidation

The ongoing voters' registration. (Photo: Courtesy)

The Law Society of Kenya President Isaac Okero has condemned the alleged intimidation of voters by public officers which he termed it a gross violation of the right of every citizen.

According to the LSK there are reports of public officers in various counties within the country threatening members of the public during the ongoing voter registration exercise by withholding of public services or relief food, the denial of bursary and other financial services, or  refusal  of  employment  opportunities  unless  proof  of registration as  a voter is availed.

“This is an gross violation of the right of every Kenyan citizen under Article 38(3)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya to  be registered as a voter without unreasonable restriction.  The actions of such public officers in my view constitute very serious breaches of the general code  of  conduct  and  ethics  as  stated  in  the  Public  Officer  Ethics  Act,  2004  and  in particular  the  requirements  of  Sections  8,  9  and  10  thereof,“  said LSK President Isaac Okero.

The LSK President has sent a warning for the intimidation of potential voters by the actions of public officers that violates rights by citizen who must be accorded the right to freely express an elector.

He has therefore appealed officials in the LSK to assist in the curbing of such tendencies.