With rising concerns over low voter registration in the ongoing mass listing, leaders have been forced to devise various tricks to get Kenyans register as voters.
This was also the case for Bondeni residents in Nakuru County as they woke up to a free food festival that was organized by a group of grassroots leaders.
During the festival held on Sunday, October 31, residents were expected to show proof of their registration before being served. The organizers explained that the festival was necessary due to the low numbers that have been witnessed in the county.
While addressing the press at the event, Kinyanjui Kiombori, one of the festival organisers, detailed how that they had to be tactful in the planning.
"For you to get a plate of food, you must ensure that you have a voter's card or you must ensure that you have your ID," he revealed.
Kiombori went ahead to explain that the initiative would be beneficial to his community noting that the youth in the area would take part in policy-making processes now that they had been registered.
“If you look at Bisahara ward, there is a lot of lawlessness. The only way that we can deal with this menace is to ensure that the youth get voters cards because when they are registered, they have the opportunity to elect the leaders that they want,” Kiombori explained.
So tactful were the even planners that they put the IEBC registration desk next to the serving table. The organisers added that the move would ensure that no one outwitted them.
On their part, the residents appreciated the initiative stating that they had an opportunity to get a free meal, especially during these hard economic times.
"This project that has been initiated by the leaders has really helped so many residents in the area. So many people from this place find difficulty when putting food on the table," Sarah Wanjiru commented.
When pressed on their decision to register as voters at the last minute, some of them lamented over the tedious process with others explaining that it was not a priority.
“Some of us had issues with our names because we change religion and now we are being told that we have to begin the process afresh by visiting the chief’s office. If you look at that whole process, you get tired because we also have to find our daily bread,” another resident explained.
On Sunday, October 10, while addressing a rally in Bonchari, Kisii County Dagoretti North legislator, Simba Arati promised residents that they would get free soda after registering as voters.
The ongoing mass voter registration is expected to end on Tuesday, November 2, with calls for an extension intensifying.
