- He said that the centre which was launched on Friday will help in coordinating election news across the country.
- Other hubs are located in Nairobi, Kisumu, Lamu, Garissa, Rift valley and Western.
Image: Laban Waloga
Human rights organisation Haki Africa has set up an election observation response and information centre in Mombasa.
The centre will disseminate information during the election.
Haki Africa director Hussein Khalid said that it's their responsibility to follow and inform citizens about what is happening across the country during the election.
He said their observation centre has been accredited by the IEBC.
“The importance of citizens following up on elections process is something which needs to be emphasised because if we want free and fair elections, there must be accountability and transparency,”Khalid said.
“That is why as an organisation we have worked hard to ensure that everyone follows up on what is happening so that they can make a decision if the election was free and fair."
He said that the centre which was launched on Friday will help in coordinating election news across the country.
“We are not predicting anything bad will happen but if Nairobi will have a cut out, this will be the only centre that will continue analysing the election and giving information to people,” he said.
The centre has social scientists who will be helping in verifying the information before it is updated on social media platforms.
He said that the organisation has partnered with others to ensure that they give verified information without any bias.
“We are not biased, we want peace and therefore we will ensure that every politician gets results of their handwork. We have trained our officers and ensured that they understood their duty, they will be neutral and we are doing this for all Kenyans,” he said.
Khalid said that they will be in contact with IEBC, Ipoa, and DPPs office where they will be reporting any malicious incidents for action to be taken and maintain peace.
He urged Kenyans to observe peace during and after the election.
“We will still need our country during and after elections therefore let us not be involved in any activity that might cause violence," he said.
"We know we will have a winner and losses should accept the results and if not satisfied our courts are open,” he said.
Haki Africa communication officer Hateeb Mohammed said that the centre which is the main nerve has more than 200 people across the country who have been trained on how to disseminate up to the minute update.
“We are ready and well prepared to give out verified information, we have a hotline which we are urging people to make good use of by reporting any incidents that will go against human rights,” he said.
He said that the hotline will offer a 24 hours service.
“Your information will be protected, we will give you witness protection as we put the information to the relevant authority therefore do not hesitate to call us in case of anything,” he said.
Other hubs are located in Nairobi, Kisumu, Lamu, Garissa, Rift valley and Western.
Compared to the last election where Khalid said there was a lack of proper communication, the organisation has invested in high-quality equipment which will help them in disseminating timely and verified information.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)