West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to extend the new voter registration period in the county and other pastoral communities owing to the nomadic life in some areas.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Governor’s residence in Kapenguria, Kachapin stated that the county was experiencing low registration since some people had moved to the neighbouring country, Uganda, to graze their livestock.
“We have so many of our people who moved to Uganda in search of pasture for their livestock following the drought that hit our county. The commission should consider extending the exercise since the people will be returning home with the onset of rains,” said the Governor.
Kachapin said as much as the county was number three in new voter registration within the Rift Valley region, the percentage was still very low in relation to the people still eligible to register as voters.
“We thank the commission for the opportunity to enlist new voters. Our target was 32,827, but so far we are at 10 percent, which on average is not good,” said the Governor.
He rallied residents to always be showing up to enlist as voters so that they can have a chance to decide on the leadership through the vote.
He cited areas that have always registered few voters despite having a huge population owing to marginalisation.
“Pokots are many, but they are not captured in the voting register because of their nomadic life. We appeal for the extension of the period so that all the 20 wards have voter registration stations,” posed the Governor.
He appealed to fellow area leaders to engage in mobilisation drives using resources at their disposal to rally people to register, especially in areas within North Pokot.
“Nomadic communities across the country should be accorded a chance to practice their civic duty of electing their leaders. Pastoral communities have to be given special treatment as a form of affirmative action during the election processes,” urged Kachapin.
By Richard Muhambe
