Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the right of Kenyans living abroad to participate in elections, saying voting is a constitutional right that should not be restricted by geographical location.
Speaking at Kiminini Market, Trans Nzoia County, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the modern Kiminini market, the CS said the Constitution guarantees eligible Kenyans the right to vote, regardless of where they live.
“Every Kenyan, whether living here or outside the country, has a right to an identity card and a right to be registered as a voter. Even those in the diaspora should be given an opportunity to vote through our embassies,” Murkomen said.
He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to put in place mechanisms to facilitate voter registration and voting for Kenyans in the diaspora through Kenyan embassies worldwide.
At the same time, the CS raised an alarm over rampant illicit brews in Trans Nzoia, which he said is fuelled by its proximity to neighbouring countries.
“Trans Nzoia is a border county, and we have a big problem of illicit brews coming from neighbouring country. We must work together with chiefs and security teams to remove illicit brews from this county,” he said.
Murkomen called on residents to cooperate with chiefs and security agencies by sharing intelligence to weed out manufacturers, transporters and sellers, warning that the ongoing crackdown will be sustained until the trade is contained.
He was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, Kiminini Member of Parliament Kakai Bisau and Endebess Member of Parliament Robert Pukose.
By Winnie Jelagat
