Men must allow wives to vote freely

Is your choice of president the same as that of your spouse?

I heard a man state that his wife must choose the person he picks as president.

Many people are shocked that there are men who threaten their wives with divorce should they vote contrary to them. Matters are made worse by nomadic pastoralists who move around carrying their wives’ identity and voters’ cards.

Some men go to the extent of following their wives to polling stations on the pretext that they cannot read or write and need to be assisted to vote. In reality, such husbands only want to see who their wives are voting for.

Women need a chance to vote for their preferred candidates without their husband’s interference. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must set limits for people assisting voters. Let these be IEBC officials. This will save many marriages.

Let IEBC conduct voter education in this crucial area to enlighten men about respecting their wives’ political choices. Women should also know their voting rights at this crucial time.