State denies claims of foreigners being enlisted as voters

Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde addressing this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Kopiya Comprehensive School in Chakol North Ward on Monday/HILTON OTENYO

The government has allayed fears that voter registration along the Kenya-Uganda common border could be infiltrated by foreigners.

 Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said no Ugandans would be allowed to register as Kenyan voters during the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, even after the government removed vetting requirements for Kenyans living along common borders with neighbouring countries.

 “Ugandan women married to Kenyan citizens will be eligible to be issued with national identity cards after following the required procedures,” he said.

 While addressing the 63^rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Wajir Stadium on Monday, President William Ruto said the government had not abolished registration procedures but had ended discriminatory practices.

 The commissioner urged youths to acquire national identity cards and register as voters to exercise their democratic right to elect leaders of their choice.

 He asked the Busia Youth Assembly to spearhead the campaign, encouraging young people aged 18 and above to obtain ID cards, register as voters and exercise their democratic right to elect leaders.

 While acknowledging heightened political activities and campaigns ahead of the next elections, Orinde called on politicians to work together and collaborate with National Government Administration Officers on matters of security and development.

 Orinde dismissed reports that the immediate former Busia County police commander, Mohammed Abdile, was transferred because of recent insecurity incidents in the county.

 “That is a lie. It was a normal transfer like any other police officer. He has conveyed his condolences to families that lost their loved ones. The work of the police is to provide security and maintain law and order,” he said.

 On the recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of several students, Orinde urged school principals to strictly adhere to Ministry of Education safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in Busia County.

 The commissioner said the government is set to construct a modern Economic Stimulus Programme market in Changara to boost trade and spur economic development in the region.

 Orinde said Busia County remains a key beneficiary of the government’s development agenda, which includes affordable housing projects and modern markets.