Nanyuki: As political campaigns continue to gain momentum, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to collaborate closely with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to combat hate speech and political intolerance. Speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, during a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at sensitizing residents on the ongoing voter registration exercise, IEBC Commissioner Dr. Ann Nderitu assured that the Commission has put in place robust measures to prevent conflicts during the electioneering period.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nderitu emphasized that the NCIC is fully engaged to address issues of hate speech, tribal balkanization, and conflicts. She mentioned that a program involving security agencies is in place to ensure a peaceful election process. Nderitu appealed to residents to actively participate in the voter registration process and support the IEBC in fulfilling its mandate.
Nderitu further urged, “Elections are not for IEBC, everyone should be involved since you have a duty to participate in the election process, so support us as we endeavor to make this country great.” She highlighted that the IEBC is committed to inclusivity, urging all stakeholders to ensure that all eligible voters, including those from pastoralist communities, youth, and persons with disabilities, register.
Clarifying the integrity of the electoral register, Nderitu stated that the current IEBC register is fully biometric, making it verifiable and addressing past allegations of dead people voting. She outlined the IEBC’s goal to increase the number of registered voters to 28.4 million by the onset of the 2027 elections, noting that individuals who have not voted since 2012 will need their biometric data captured.
