The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged eligible Kenyans and especially youths to come out and register as voters in the on-going national registration exercise.
At the same time, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati warned that the commission would firmly deal with perpetrators of violence saying the country must hold the General Election in a peaceful atmosphere.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Marsabit County Commissioner Paul Rotich during a visit to the county, Mr Chebukati expressed concern over low turnout being experienced across the country and advised against the apathy.
The Chairman pointed out that the commission had done sensitization concerning the exercise adding that research was necessary to establish the root cause of the indifference among Kenyans.
Mr Chebukati asked the youth to register as voters to enable them elect leaders of their choice and also to reject unsuitable ones at the ballot.
He disclosed that out of a target of 26,000 people only 4,200 have so far registered as voters in Marsabit County in the second phase of the voter registration exercise.
Mr Chebukati called on the youth whom the government has made efforts to issue with identity cards to register as voters so that they are not disfranchised during the election.
The chairman lauded the government for maintaining security in Marsabit which has enabled the on-going voter registration drive to run smoothly.
He cautioned against incitement stressing that the commission will apply the law without discrimination in order to ensure a fair and credible General Election come August 9, this year.
Mr Chebukati appealed to local leaders to help in the maintenance of peace in the region not only for nonviolent elections but also for prosperity.
On the other hand Commissioner Rotich said that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the electoral process was conducted in an enabling environment.
He assured of security during political parties primaries, campaigns and the actual voting saying the measures taken were designed to address any challenges that might arise during the process.
He asked the commission to consider a door to door registration in order to reach as many potential unregistered voters given the fact that the locals have been on constant migration owing to drought.
By Sebastian Miriti
