Wanyonyi supports calls to extend mass voter registration exercise

by Erick Ludeya

Nairobi Gubernatorial hopeful Tim Wanyonyi has supported calls to extend ongoing mass voter registration exercise.

Wanyonyi who is also the Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) has said that it is important to extend the exercise by at least one month.

He called on the National Assembly to expedite the approval of the additional IEBC budget so as to enable the commission achieve its set target.

“We know that the registration period ends in February next year and that means we have three more months to register more people,” Wanyonyi said on Friday, October 28 in Nairobi while receiving a petition from members of the civil society.

The IEBC has only registered 800,000 people from the targeted 6 million and it has decried lack of funding for the exercise.

The commission requires KSh 40 billion to conduct the mass voter registration but parliament is yet to approve it.

According to Wanyonyi, the exercise must be done conclusively to avoid possible court battles and the possibility of enduring a bangled election.

“The election is always a process and it starts with voter registration so we must do everything possible as required by law to avoid any problems in the future,” he said.

Wanyonyi was speaking in Nairobi when he received a petition from the newly formed Strugglers Movement.

The petition was presented by Mr Julius Owino, popularly known as Majimaji.

Mr Owino said that they had held a meeting with IEBC and agreed on the need to involve more stakeholder in the exercise.

He said that the commission has indicated the desire to extend the exercise but lacks necessary funds.

“We must work together to ensure that the targeted young voters are all registered before the February deadline. There is willingness from many people to help but the challenge remains the funding nightmare,” he noted.

Meanwhile Nairobi residents have been urged to utilise their free time to enroll as voters. Mr. Wanyonyi said that it is important for Nairobi to lead by example by recording a high turnout.

He said: “We understand the tight schedule Nairobi residents have but it is possible for them to spare time for it.”

Wanyonyi declared his interest for the Nairobi seat this week and has promised to work with everyone for a Nairobi they want.