Test poll results transmission system, IEBC told

Evangelical and Pentecostal churches in Kenya on Tuesday asked the electoral body to test all its elections electronic systems, especially in areas where there is no electricity to avoid any doubts on poll results.

They said they want the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to assure the country that they are prepared to deliver a free, fair and credible General Election.

“It is toward this endeavour that we shall hold a national day of prayer on Saturday to ensure preparedness for the General Election. We invite all Kenyans from 9am-4pm,” said Bishop Ibrahim Omondi.

He said that the church stands for peace, is nonpartisan, is committed to good leadership, is patriotic to the country and does not want to see ethnicity spread during the elections.

“We urge the media to be more cautious and be responsible in their reporting and not use alarming headlines that incite the public,” he said.

ROLE OF CHURCH

Bishop Mark Kariuki also enumerated the importance of the church in resolving conflict and said that this time the church will not be found wanting in spearheading peace.

‘In the 2007/2008 post-election violence, the church was asked what role had it played in resolving or even preventing the violence, that is why this time round we are at the forefront to ensure peaceful elections,” he said.

These church leaders are not alone in asking for calm during elections as Thursday last week, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Hindu Council of Kenya, National Muslim leaders Forum and Seventh Day Adventist asked that the IEBC publishes the voters register to avoid doubts.

“’We note that the longer the commission takes before publishing the register, the more doubts are cast on its credibility.

“Transparency of the IEBC in matters that impact on the final register is key to building the confidence of Kenyans,” said Sheik Ibrahim Lethome.