Kenyans turned up in large numbers to be listed as voters during the last minute rush in an exercise that was launched a month ago.
In the second mass registration of voter’s exercise that kicked off on January 16, Independent Electoral and Boundaries commission (IEBC) targets to register 6 million new voters.
Over 500 Kenyans braved hot sun in Kiambu Huduma Centre on Tuesday and lined up to register over fear of being blocked from voting in August polls.
According to Mercy Kuria, an IEBC officer in Thika, most of the new applicants failed to turn up in other registration days due to job commitments.
Kuria said IEBC would not close offices until all the applicants are enlisted citing that the exercise would be closed at 120am.
“We understand that Kenyans rush during eleventh hours but we must not rule out the fact that most were committed in their jurisdictions. We are busy today to ensure no one is blocked from exercising their constitutional right to vote. Our offices will be open until 12am,” she said.
Regional secretary general for the Kenya National Union of Teachers John Mungai, the large turnout has a negative impact in the August polls should some Kenyans be blocked from registering.
“We are asking IEBC to consider extending the registration period for a week to ensure we accord all Kenyans their constitutional right to vote. Blocking some Kenyans over last minute rush move will negatively impact the next polls,” Mungai said.
“I was tightly held by my job not until I realised today was the last day. I thank IEBC for overworking to ensure we all register. I, however, wish for an extension should IEBC fail to enlist some Kenyans; I believe they will not manage the big turnout,” said James Kariuki, a newly enlisted voter in Thika.
The commission had until last week registered less than three million voters countrywide missing the target. IEBC has extended the registration period by two days.