Taita Taveta governor John Mruttu now wants Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to give inmates first priory in the oncoming mass voter registration exercise.
Mruttu further accuses IEBC of failing to adhere to the constitution that provides inmates with voting rights.
Speaking on Tuesday during Council of Governor’s submissions on electoral amendment laws to Senate Legal committee, Mruttu claimed that many inmates were not voters.
“The law gives inmates rights to elect leaders but unfortunately that has been overlooked by the IEBC. The commission should ensure these people are registered so that their voice is heard on August,” he said.
“I was at Manyani prison and was shocked to find many inmates are not registered. This should be treated as a matter of urgency so that the hitch is resolved,” he added.
The 2010 constitution gives all bona fide citizens who have attained the minimum age rights to vote as long as they are registered voters.