As political campaigns continue to gain momentum, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to collaborate closely with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to combat hate speech and political intolerance.
Speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, during a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at sensitizing residents on the ongoing voter registration exercise, IEBC Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu assured that the Commission has put in place robust measures to prevent conflicts during the electioneering period.
“NCIC is fully on board so that we continue to ensure that the issues of hate speech, tribal balkanization and conflicts are handled. We also have a programme with security agencies. We are committed to working with all the stakeholders,” she told this writer in Nanyuki.
Nderitu further urged residents to actively participate in the voter registration process and support the IEBC in fulfilling its mandate.
“Elections are not for IEBC, everyone should be involved since you have a duty to participate in the election process, so support us as we endeavor to make this country great,” she urged.
The commissioner emphasized that the IEBC believes no one should be left behind, and urged all stakeholders to help in ensuring that all eligible voters, including those from pastoralist communities, youth, and persons with disabilities register.
Nderitu clarified that the current IEBC register is fully biometric, making it verifiable and has addressed past allegations of dead people voting.
She said IEBC aims to increase the number of registered voters to 28.4 million by the onset of 2027 elections, noting that individuals who have not voted since 2012 will need their biometric data captured.
by Muturi Mwangi
