Lack of voter education by IEBC could lead to many spoilt votes

Political stakeholders want Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently educate voters on how to vote.

Jubilee and National Super Alliance leaders accused the electoral body of not conducting civic education 20 days to the August 8 polls.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale has called on IEBC to take voter education seriously.

"I know the electoral body's schedule is tight as we move close to elections, we need the voters to know how to vote correctly," Duale said.

Wiper Deputy Party Leader and Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said lack of voter education would bar many Kenyans from participating in the polls.

"Many people will be denied a chance to express their will by not being educated on how to vote," said Kilonzo Jnr.

Makueni MP Dan Maanzo called on IEBC to set aside a week to take the voters through the voting process.

"The law we passed in Parliament required IEBC to hire voter educators, train them and enable them train the voters in good time before elections," Maanzo said.

However, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said the commission is addressing the issue.

"IEBC in partnership with International Foundation for Electoral Systems, has rolled out a campaign to educate, engage and motivate the youth to participate in the polls," he said. [Protus Onyango]