Probe claims of political mess, IIEC told

By Beauttah Omanga

Civil Society groups have asked the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) to investigate claims that some leaders were discouraging voters from acquiring electors’ cards. The groups claimed they had received such reports.

"They are telling their targets to move out and register elsewhere, away from their current places of abode," claimed Civil Society head Morris Odhiambo.

He, however, did not give details of the areas of concern, but promised to do so later. Fida-Kenya CEO Grace Kimani also urged the electorate to register in large numbers.

Said Ms Kimani: "It is through voter registration that we will get a new constitution and later elect leaders of our choice. We should not be intimidated".

Voter registration enters third week today.

It has been dogged with challenges, among them refusal by IDPs to register, citing abandonment by the coalition Government.

Lawyer Paul Muite, however, pleaded with the displaced to forget their predicament for a moment and register as voters, saying it was through participating in future elections that they would shut out politicians who contributed to their predicament.

With the suffering

Kituo cha Sheria Director Priscilla Nyokabi urged the IDPs to participate in the coming referendum and the general election.

"We are with the suffering IDPs who seem to have been forgotten almost three years since they were uprooted from their homes… we are urging them to register and participate in reshaping the country’s future" she said.

She said it would be through a new constitution that their problems would be addressed adequately.

Speaking at the weekend, IIEC Chairman Issack Ahmed said his team had received Sh4.6 billion for voter registration.

Mr Hassan said the commission was determined to capture eligible voters countrywide.

"Voter registration is going on well in all parts pf the country safe for 18 selected constituencies, where E- Registration will commence soon," said the Chairman.