The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended a voter registration exercise at Kenyatta University after a video about the activity circulated on social media.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission sends voter registration kits to strategic locations to reach more eligible Kenyans.
He said the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise follows the law. In addition, Ethekon reminded Kenyans that they have a constitutional right to register and choose their preferred polling station.
Where Kenyans can register as voters
The IEBC said Kenyans can register at all 290 constituency offices across the country.
They can also access the service at Huduma Centres and the IEBC Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, the commission may deploy registration kits to other locations when necessary. Ethekon said the exercise at Kenyatta University followed this approach.
IEBC clarifies voter transfer process
However, Ethekon said voters can only transfer their polling stations at IEBC constituency offices.
Therefore, the commission does not offer voter transfer services at other registration centres.
In addition, he explained that the IEBC issues acknowledgement slips only to newly registered voters. Voters who transfer their polling stations do not receive the slips because they are already registered.
IEBC denies influencing voters
Meanwhile, Ethekon said the commission does not force voters to choose a particular polling station.
Instead, he said the IEBC only facilitates voter registration. Eligible Kenyans can therefore make their own choices.
“The role of the IEBC is to facilitate the registration of eligible Kenyans as voters and does not direct, compel or influence voters to select a particular polling station,” Ethekon said.
Commission investigates viral video
The IEBC said it is taking the allegations raised in the viral video seriously.
As a result, the commission is working with relevant government agencies to investigate the matter. Authorities may also arrest anyone found culpable.
In addition, the IEBC warned members of the public against interfering with electoral processes.
Finally, the commission urged Kenyans to get voter registration information from official sources. It also cautioned the public against spreading misinformation, as this could disrupt peace and coexistence.
