Baringo: A section of residents from Baringo Central Sub County have called for voter education after their area recorded a low voter turnout in the just concluded Baringo senatorial by-elections. Speaking to KNA at Talai Primary School grounds, residents expressed the need for all eligible citizens to understand their democratic rights and responsibilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Richard Yator, who traveled 300 kilometers to cast his vote, emphasized the necessity of empowering the youth to participate in the democratic process, stating, “Youth should not depend on handouts for them to vote.” He shared his personal experiences of traveling every election cycle to cast his vote at home, highlighting the need for electoral reforms to make voting more convenient for all.
Yator suggested designating a holiday for future by-elections to provide ample time for citizens to engage in this crucial exercise. Another experienced voter, Paul Chepkwony, recounted his journey, traveling by foot for three consecutive days to participate in the by-election. Chepkwony stressed the importance of electing the right leaders and ensuring he votes during elections.
Chepkwony also noted that many people are now preoccupied with daily duties at the expense of voting, highlighting his priority for a leader who will bring development to their area. Jacob Rotich echoed similar sentiments, urging the youth to be self-reliant through productive activities while honoring their constitutional right to vote.
Shirley Jelagat shared her disappointment after being turned away when the KIEMS kit failed to capture her details, despite her intention to vote for her preferred candidate. She called on the IEBC to conduct extensive voter education and relax strict regulations to accommodate more voters.
The Baringo Senatorial by-election saw a voter turnout slightly above 20 percent, with the majority of voters being elderly. This highlighted a significant level of voter apathy among the youth, often referred to as future leaders.
