The United Opposition has sounded the alarm over alleged voter bribery ahead of the November 27th by-elections where opposition candidates are facing off with rivals allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka says they have information that voters have been promised upto Ksh.5,000 if they take photos when voting to ensure they vote for those close to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kalonzo, who has promised legal action, asked IEBC to deal with cases of bribery which have marred the campaigns with government officials using state resources to campaign for candidates.
“In the rogue regime desperation to rig the forthcoming by-elections they have directed voters to take pictures of their vote at the voting booth showing they have indeed selected their preferred candidate and so to collect not less than Ksh.5,000,” said Kalonzo.
“We call on the IEBC to educate voters on how to use their phones within and outside their polling stations, asking voters to take photos, recording and asking voters who they support should not only be discouraged but punished.”
Kalonzo has called out state officials for not only participating in the campaigns but also using state resources to drum up support for candidates in clear contravention of the constitution.
“The amount of resources this administration has used in this by-election is incredible, they must face up to the consequences, we have called them out, our lawyers will be taking up this matter,” he said.
The opposition has also raised concerns over the voter registration process saying this could have a reflection in the by-elections and 2027 General Election.
They have questioned introduction of iris-scanning, registration happening only at constituency offices and the use of registration kits and personnel deployed.
“Every transfer should begin with a written request from the voter and only proceed after full verification of residence and compliance of all legal requirements,” said Kalonzo.
DP party leader Justin Muturi said: “Mtu akija kupiga kura kituo chochote akute jina lake haliko, nyinyi watu wa IEBC, presiding officers, returning officer and commissioners nyinyi we are going to hold you responsible and accountable …Tunataka mtoe ile register ya wapigaji kura ya 2022 mapema.”
The leaders say the new electoral commission is yet to earn the trust of Kenyans and urged the new leadership to rise above political influence and prove its independence.
By Gatete Njoroge
