Diaspora decry denial to vote

By Josephat Siror

FINLAND: Kenyans in Finland have condemned the government over controversial decision to lock out the Diaspora in General Elections slated for March 4.

They said in a statement that the move was a blatant disregard to the rights of Kenyans in Diaspora by the Government.

“It is a big disappointment for Kenyans to be denied right to vote in March 4,” said head of Kenya-Finnish Society Organization (Kefiso), Mr David Okelo.

He criticised the state adding that many Kenyans would not live to enjoy the rights envisaged in the new Constitution as evidenced by flip flopping of the government decisions.  

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Citing sections 82 of the Constitution, the organisation faulted the State for devising what they termed as artificial excuse on the so-called progressive registration to lock out its citizens in Diaspora.

“The decision has demoralised citizens residing abroad. It is blatant show of alienation with no credible reasons,” the Kenyans in Finland decried in a reactive statement in part.

They also demanded that the government rescinds the announcement with assurance that they will participate in the elections.

On Tuesday, Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa declared that it was impossible for Diaspora to vote due to logistical constraints facing Independent and Boundaries Electoral Commission (IEBC).

But that decision took vast Diaspora constituency by surprise with Kenyans in Finland terming an embarrassment. Head of Kenyan affairs, Walubengo Singoro had earlier rallied compatriots to use opportunity to vote in new crop of leaders.

“We need to bring our leaders to accountable by voting against our tribal lines,” Mr Walubengo appealed. But declaration by government to lock Diaspora out in the upcoming elections is viewed as a denial to democratic and constitutional rights.

Insulted lot in Finland further also took issue with the government saying dual citizenship provisions in the constitution stand the right of non-compliance. “It is a matter of urgency and immigration ministry should come out clear if and when the provisions would be enforced,” demanded the group in a terse statement.

It is estimated that Kenyans in the Scandinavian nations constitute close to five thousand but often neglected on matters national back in their homeland. For the first time in history, Diaspora would have cast the ballot in elections under the new order.

But the opportunity now hangs in balance after electoral body took a U-turn even with the purchase voter registers for embassies and missions abroad.

Some presidential hopefuls have in recent months streamed to countries abroad seeking Diaspora votes.