Kisii Boda boda asks for IEBC officials to help them conduct fair election

As the election date for the Bodaboda leadership in Kisii County has been set for October 17, 2024, significant discussions have emerged among the community's leaders regarding the conduct and management of these elections. The announcement, made by the election board of the Kisii County Bodaboda association, has prompted reactions from various stakeholders within the bodaboda community.

Jasper Maina, the former leader of the Kisii Municipality Bodaboda Association, has been at the forefront of these discussions. Maina, along with several other leaders, has expressed concerns over the current electoral process and called for the introduction of new rules and regulations to ensure a fair and transparent election.

Maina emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency in the upcoming elections. He proposed that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) be given the responsibility to oversee the elections. According to Maina, involving the IEBC would help mitigate potential biases and irregularities, thereby fostering trust among the bodaboda operators and ensuring a credible electoral process.

“We need to ensure that our elections are transparent and free from any form of manipulation. The IEBC has the experience and the capacity to manage elections fairly. By involving them, we can be confident that the process will be legitimate and the results will be accepted by all,” Maina stated.

The call for new regulations is aimed at addressing several issues that have plagued past elections within the bodaboda association. These include allegations of voter manipulation, lack of clear guidelines, and disputes over election results. By instituting new rules, the leaders hope to create a more structured and accountable electoral framework.

Maina and his colleagues have also suggested specific measures to enhance the election's credibility. These include the establishment of an independent electoral committee, clear voter registration processes, and stringent monitoring of the election proceedings. Additionally, they propose that all candidates be given equal opportunities to campaign and present their agendas to the voters.

The call by Jasper Maina and other bodaboda leaders in Kisii County for new election rules and the involvement of the IEBC underscores a significant moment in the county's bodaboda sector. As these discussions continue, the emphasis on transparent and credible elections will be crucial in shaping the future leadership and governance of the bodaboda community.