As the country gears for the upcoming August 9 poll, close to 500,000 voters were expunged from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) register over contravention of the Electoral Offences Act.
Media reports indicate that IEBC revealed that 480,000 voters were found with multiple registrations during the clean-up exercise.
Should the commission enforce the Electoral Offences Act, the voters risk a one-year jail term or pay a Ksh1 million fine.
The voters also risk a 10-year ban and hence risk being blacklisted from casting their votes in at least two General Elections.
“A person who applies twice or commits an offense liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or serve a jail term of one year. Equally, those found culpable of double registration risk not voting in that election or in the next elections,” reads part of the Electoral Offences Act.
Further, the Act stipulates stiff penalties for Kenyans found contravening the law in a bid to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process. Anyone found double voting will face either a fine of Ksh1 million or a serve a sentence of six-year jail term.
In addition any person, including the media that exposes the politician whom a voter is about to vote for risks either a penalty of Ksh1 million or a jail term of three years or both.
Those found directly or indirectly influencing a bribe to influence elections will be liable to pay either a fine of Ksh2 million or serve a sentence of six years or both. Any person found culpable of sponsoring or planning violence, inflicting injury, or causing harm against another person risks a fine of Ksh2 million or serves a six-year jail term or both.
The IEBC has been urging politicians and members of the public to adhere to the law, noting that those found culpable would face stiff measures.
Recently, chaos was witnessed during Azimio La Umoja’s presidential running mate, Martha Karua’s rally in Kisii county was disrupted after tear gas was thrown at the podium.
She was whisked away by her security details alongside Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, and Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege.
The National Police Service, however, released a statement, noting that an off-duty police officer had been arrested following the incident. If found guilty, the officer risks a six-year jail term or paying a fine of Ksh2 million or both.
With 35 days to go, the commission will ramp up its efforts in a bid to ensure a credible electioneering period in order to safeguard the votes and give a free and fair process.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
