Election Management And Security: IEBC, Police To Restore Order In Areas Polls Were Disrupted

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 9 – 22,120,458 registered voters in this year’s elections are expected to cast their vote in one of the most contested polls in Kenyan history according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In some areas, however, Kenyans were denied their right to fulfill their civic duty and right amid cases of violence In Wajir and Garissa.

IEBC Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera said that a security incident was reported Monday evening in Eldas constituency, Wajir county after poll officials were holed up in one of their offices due to a security concern.

“Last night the commission was alerted of incidents of gunfire in Eldas, Wajir county. Election officials, where ballot materials were stored, officials remained trapped inside the offices preparing to dispatch materials to polling stations. Elections have been adjourned and voting shall begin once the issue has been resolved,” said Cherera.

A commissioner of the poll body was however dispatched to the area Tuesday morning in a bid to assess the situation and see whether polls could be held. If the situation can not be resolved by Tuesday, IEBC will announce a new date for elections in the area.

Security concerns were also raised in Dadaab, arise county.

“Due to security concerns raised in Dadaab constituency and four polling stations specifically, Maguto primary school, Barkin Primary school, Hamajo Bore Hall, and Qot Qot Bore Hall are yet to be opened. The commission is in consultation with security to address the issues raised,” she said.

In Turkana meanwhile polls officials were forced to be replaced after the original officials were involved in a road accident.

A presiding officer and two clerks in Kalokol wards were rushed to hospital after they sustained minor injuries, They have however since been discharged.

Across various parts of the country, however, voter apathy was witnessed as Kenyans appeared to steer clear of polling stations. 

Officials however say that some may be planning on casting their votes during the final hours.

Polling stations will be closed by 5 pm.

Where there is a delay in the opening and interruptions of voting at a polling station, the presiding officer will extend the hours of the polling by the amount of time that was lost.