IEBC enlists 11 inmates in Murang'a
IEBC staff register an inmate at Murang’a Women's Prison on February 23, 2017. Inmates who registered said they were happy the polls agency is including them in the electoral process. PHOTO | MARTIN MWAURA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- At Murang'a Women's Prison, 11 were enlisted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
- Esther Wanjiku said she was happy that she could secure a future for her child by voting in a suitable president.
Inmates who registered as new voters in Murang'a have commended the electoral body for allowing them to take part in determining the leadership of the country.
At Murang'a Women's Prison, 11 were enlisted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Esther Wanjiku said she was happy that she could secure a future for her child by voting in a suitable president.
"I have just registered for the first time. I chose to register for the sake of my child’s future. I want to vote for the president of my choice, [who will] bring development," she said.
Similarly, Anne Waithera said her fellow inmates are glad they will participate in the elections.
"Prisoners can now vote while in prison. This is a law that many prisoners are proud [of], and thus I encourage [my] fellow inmates with IDs to register and vote," she said.
Nonetheless, officer-in-charge Edith Kimemia observed that the week-long registration of prisoners is likely to be hampered by lack of identity cards.
Ms Kimemia said the total number of inmates is 48 but only 11 have registered.
She said the others either left the IDs at home or do not have them.
"We have been calling their relatives to bring their IDs. Some were brought but others not yet...lack of IDs is the only challenge we face," she said.
The IEBC began registering new voters countrywide on January 17, hoping to add six million more to its register.
But only 3.7 million have enlisted.
