Human rights watchdog visits counties to monitor election preparedness

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Odede during an interview with Standard on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 [David Njaaga, Standard]

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has begun a tour of the counties to allow newly-appointed commissioners familiarise themselves with the regions ahead of the General Election.

In a two-day stakeholders forum in Trans Nzoia County that began on Tuesday, the team engaged the office of the county commissioner, the county government, media, and other human rights agencies.

KNCHR vice chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris described the visit as fruitful, saying his team had raised issues touching on the rights of voters, political contestants and traders.

Dr Nyeris said they have put in place the necessary measures to ensure the forthcoming elections are free and fair. He revealed that at least 100 election monitors had been dispatched to 24 counties.

County Commissioner Sam Ojwang’ welcomed the KNCHR team and said it was important to have all stakeholders on board. The elections, he added, were an important exercise that had to be managed smoothly.

Mr Ojwang’ also praised the media for highlighting issues that warranted attention.