Campaigns to have millions of Kenyans register as voters ahead of the August 8 Elections are on an overdrive after the IEBC kicked off the second and last mass voter registration exercise on Monday.
Nonetheless, it is some of the tactics politicians across the political divide are employing to woo their supporters to register as voters that have raised a lot of interest.
Here are some of the ways, most of which border on inflicting a sense of fear to compel eligible voters to register.
1. No Sex
Women have been encouraged by various politicians to deny their husbands conjugal rights if they do not have a voter's card.
In a topic that may be considered taboo in the society, politicians have not shied away from using it to ensure that the electorate is armed.
Some of the politicians who have made the rather shocking remarks include CORD leader Raila Odinga, Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, Mombasa Women Representative Mishi Mboko among others.
2. No Holy Communion
In the latest threats, an Anglican Reverend in Embu stated that he will have to ascertain that members of his congregation are registered before one can partake the holy communion.
Reverend Isaiah Njagi mentioned that the rule would take effect from the Easter period and continue until Election date.
"After this month, during Easter, I will demand to see the voters' card before I can administer the Eucharist. And the Sunday following the General Election, you must show me the mark to show that you have voted," he said.
Mr Njagi noted that Christians ought to be responsible citizens and vote.
3. No Alcohol
In Murang'a, alcohol lovers were hit with the same demand of producing their voter's card before they could enjoy their drink.
James Waweru, the chairman of the business owners' association divulged that: "Just like you cannot drive without a driving license, then you cannot drink without a voter’s card, hakuna starehe bila kura (no entertainment without a voter’s card)."
4. No Access to Public Services
Vihiga County made headlines on Monday after it emerged that area Governor, Moses Akaranga had issued an internal memo notifying all county staff to demand residents to show their voter's card before they can access services.
"All Departments are directed to verify the Voter Registration if every resident seeking services from the department serving him/her. The service seeker should send his/her I.D No to 22464. Only patients seeking medical attentions will not be subjected to the above," the memo read in part.
