I was ready to vote but alas! It was not to
be

Everyone around me got to hype how the voting was an interesting experience. Their impression gave me the urge to also cast my maiden ballot the moment I got my ID card. On the day I got the ID and a voter’s card, I felt fully equipped to be able to pick a leader of my choice through the ballot.

One year later, 2022, during the campaign period, I was one of those helping to distribute campaign hats, aprons, and calendars as assigned by Mwangi wa Kifeeti, one of the candidates who was vying for MCA in Murang’a.

I decided to change my vote from Nairobi to Murang’a with the help of my mother, which I did. I presented myself to the office of the electoral commission in Kiriaini, where my biometrics were taken that day.

This gave me assurance that I had already registered for the elections in time. Unfortunately, on Monday, after sending my message to 7000# on how to know where my vote will be, I was surprised to receive a message saying “voter ID or passport number provided is not found. If registered, visit your IEBC constituency office.”

I suspected my ID could be having a problem, as it happened the last time I was going to register a Safaricom line.

At the time, I was told my ID had a problem and I should visit the chief’s office where the ID was issued. Being reluctant at that time, I decided to visit a Huduma centre in Nairobi instead.

On checking in their system, I was informed that everything was alright and updated as it should be. I was referred back to the IEBC, only to be told that I was not allowed to change my vote if I have never voted before, something I wish I could have been told earlier.

Ahead of the election, I woke up early, and by 5:30am I was already at the polling station in Kianjahi Primary in Gitugi area, just to take a risk and confirm if really I am not registered. My worst fears came true.

I was so disappointed that I had to board back a matatu and return to Nairobi at 7:00 am without voting. What was worse, I left my mother in the long queue.

My experience was not what I expected but I am hoping for a better experience during the next general election, five years from now. The writer is an intern at People Daily.