The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to a video circulating on social media alleging irregularities during a voter registration exercise at Kenyatta University.
In a statement on Thursday, September 10, the commission said it was aware of the video and clarified the procedures governing continuous voter registration (CVR) and voter transfer services.
IEBC noted that every eligible Kenyan citizen has a constitutional right to apply for registration as a voter and vote at a polling station of their choice.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Erastus Ethekon. Photo; Courtesy.
It clarified that voter transfer services are currently available at IEBC constituency offices across the country and are not offered at other locations.
The commission further said it was conducting Continuous Voter Registration at all 290 IEBC constituency offices, Huduma Centres and the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
IEBC went on to explain that it can also deploy voter registration kits to strategic locations where necessary and based on operational considerations to reach eligible citizens, noting that this was what happened at Kenyatta University.
The commission also clarified that acknowledgement slips are issued only to newly registered voters.
According to IEBC, people seeking to transfer their voting station do not receive acknowledgement slips because their details are already contained in the register of voters.
The commission maintained that its role is to facilitate the registration of eligible Kenyans and does not direct, compel or influence voters to select a particular polling station.
IEBC said it was investigating the allegations contained in the circulating video and would take action where necessary.
It added that it had taken the allegations in the clip with the seriousness they deserve and was currently working with relevant government agencies to take appropriate action in accordance with the law, including making arrests where there is culpability.
IEBC also called on members of the public to allow electoral officials to carry out their duties without interference as it continues with the voter registration exercise.
The commission further urged members of the public to refrain from interfering with its processes as it endeavours to discharge its mandate.
IEBC further urged Kenyans to verify information through its official communication channels, warning that misinformation could disrupt peaceful coexistence.
It concluded by urging members of the public to rely only on official information from the commission and cautioning against the use of misinformation to disrupt peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
