[Jubilee Party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto show off membership Smart Card, January 2017. Photo/Courtesy]
The Jubilee Party has suspended usage of membership Smart Cards in nominations in some parts of the Counties. A total of 17 counties especially those in Central and Rift Valley regions will use the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) voter register in the nominations, while other 20 counties will use alternative means of ensuring aspirants are nominated for various posts. The party's National Elections Board said seven Counties of Samburu, Kisii, Narok, Isiolo, Nyamira, Mombasa and Nairobi, would use the Cards during party primaries slated for April.
This was revealed by the secretary general Raphael Tuju, Tuesday. Recently Nairobi senator Mike Sonko was heard opposing usage of the Smart Cards which were launched early 2017, saying they would be used to rig. Party Chairman Mureithi Kang'ara however dismissed the claims, saying the Cards would be used as per the Jubilee party regulations. The Cards ensure only registered voters who are genuine members of the party participate in the nominations. The unique smart membership cards contain member's name, ID number, mobile phone number and voting details such as the polling station.