IEBC asked to state position on crucial Diaspora vote

By FELIX OLICK

Kenyans in the Diaspora want the Electoral Commission to state its position following a Government decision to lock them out from participating in the March 4 General Election. 

They said if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) takes the Government view, they would mobilise and move to court to challenge the decision. The Diaspora voters termed the statement Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa issued this week as “reckless, nonsensical and without any legal merit”.  “The Government is clearly violating our fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the new Constitution. They have demonstrated no legitimate interest compelling to reach such a vague decision,” noted Jaffer Issak, a Kenyan who lives in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of Kenyans living abroad yesterday, Mr Issak said IEBC had assured them they would participate in the vote, adding that the commission cannot betray their promise.  On Wednesday, IEBC Chairman Isaac Hassan said that the commission was to meet on Thursday to issue its own independent decision, insisting they don’t take orders from the Government or any minister.