Duale raises concern over slow internet ahead of polls

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale has raised concern over slow internet in Garissa ahead of August polls.

This is after the legislator was forced to wait for close to two hours before being cleared by the electoral agency on Tuesday.

Speaking to the press outside the Garissa Township IEBC office, Duale said the issue should concern all Kenyans at this time.

He said it is the responsibility of the electoral agency to work closely with internet providers and ensure things run smoothly during the entire election period.

“I stayed at the IEBC offices for more than an hour because the internet and the systems were down. The problem has been experienced in the past one week in Garissa and many parts of the country. We are all concerned,” Duale said.

The MP said the IEBC should not be held hostage by the service providers — Safaricom, Airtel and Telecom — and ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.

“They should not mess up with the credibility of the IEBC. All stakeholders involved have a job to do between now and the general election,” he said.

Duale, who will be contesting for the fourth term on the UDA ticket, said voters re-elected him based on his track record.

“I have been elected three times in three different parties, ODM, URP, Jubilee and now we are back on the hustler party. The people of Garissa don’t elect parties,” he said.

The legislator said the game is on and he is prepared.

"I assure my competitors the contest will be tough. Lets sell our agenda to the great people of Garissa in a peaceful manner without incitement to violence,” he said.

Duale who later held rallies in Garissa town and its environs said residents should ensure peace and let all the aspirants sell their agenda.

On Monday, Duale rallied women to support his candidature saying they have been the cornerstone of his leadership.

He spoke at his residence while addressing more than 500 women drawn from all communities.

He thanked the women for sticking with him through the years and said all he had achieved was a result of their support.

"Your unwavering support is what has made me an MP since 2007, when I joined politics. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am deeply humbled and I don’t take it for granted,” he said.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)