A section of residents from Baringo Central Sub County have called for voter education after their area recorded a low voter turnout in the just concluded Baringo senatorial by-elections
Speaking to KNA at Talai Primary School grounds on Thursday, residents said that there is need for all eligible citizens to understand their democratic rights and responsibilities.
Richard Yator, who travelled for 300 kilometers to cast his vote took a special notice on the youthful generation who he observed needs to be empowered to participate in the democratic process. “Youth should not depend on handouts for them to vote,” he said.
He shared his personal experiences of travelling every election cycle to cast his vote at home, adding that there is need for electoral reforms in order to make it convenient for all voters.
Yator recommended a holiday for future by-election in order to provide an ample time to take part in the crucial exercise.
Another experienced voter Paul Chepkwony narrated his tribulations while travelling by foot for three consecutive days to take part in the by-election. He says he knows the importance of electing the right leaders and thus ensure he cast his vote during elections..
Chepkwony claimed that nowadays people are preoccupied with their daily duties at the expense of voting. He said that his priority is a leader who is going to transform their area for them to realize real development.
The same sentiments were shared by Jacob Rotich who urged the youth to be self-reliant by engaging in productive activities as well as honouring their constitutional right to vote.
On her part Shirley Jelagat shared her disappointment after she was turned back when the KIEMS kit failed to capture her despite her wish to cast the vote to elect her preferred third senator.
She said IEBC should conduct extensive voter education and also lessen the strict regulations to accommodate more voters.
The just concluded Baringo Senatorial by election reflected high level of voter apathy with voter turnout just slightly above 20 per cent. Majority of the voters that took part were also elderly leaving behind the youth who have always been referred as future leaders.
by Benson Kelio
