Ensure credible elections in 2022 – Youths tell IEBC
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been asked to ensure the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and devoid of any malpractices to avert the frequent chaos that has characterized election circles.
A section of youth under the Youth for Youth Kenya (YYK) umbrella said that for peace to prevail in the country after the 2022 poll, there is need for the body to conduct a credible exercise that satisfies all parties.
In a statement to the press in Bomet town on Friday, the group led by its Secretary General Desmond Chepkwony raised concern over what he termed as endless electoral violence mainly occasioned by IEBC’s failure to ensure the process is free of rigging.
“When IEBC fails to put in place necessary measures and systems that guarantee a credible exercise, people will start engaging wanton forms of cheating that ends up sparking violence… so we are challenging it to ensure everything is above board,” Chepkwony said.
He argued that based on the heightened political temperatures in the country, all camps are anticipating nothing but verifiable elections.
Bomet National Youth Council coordinator Bernard Koech on his part appealed to the members of the public to be ambassadors of peace and avoid being misused by politicians.
He particularly urged the youth to shun away from divisive politics and leaders who may be out to use them to cause division and chaos amongst supporters of other camps or other communities in their areas.
The sentiments were echoed by Caren Chepkirui who said youth are the soft targets by politicians during this electioneering period hence the need for them to be wary.
The group also used the opportunity to call on the youth to take advantage of the window period for registration as voters in January by turning out in large numbers and enlisting so that they can fully participate in the election.
“The school of politics gives a lesson of bad leaders are chosen by good people who did not participate in elections we, therefore, appeal to unregistered members to stand to be counted in the upcoming 2022 elections by taking what is rightfully theirs and register,” Koech said.
