Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Western Regional Election Coordinator Mr. Japheth Yegon addressing Bungoma residents on Thursday. [PHOTO|Silas kibet Kemboi|West Fm]

Kenyans have been urged to read and understand fully the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya of 2010 as they gear up for the next general election so as to have a free and fair election. 

Speaking at the launch of the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) symbol Bungoma town, Western Regional Election Coordinator Mr. Japheth Yegon said, the electoral management in Kenya has gone through many phases and faces whereby in the 60s and even to late 80s elections were conducted by civil servants under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General. 

Mr. Yegon who read the speech on behalf of the IEBC chairman Isaack Hassan said the need to have a dedicated body to handle elections was made a reality with the creation of Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) in 1992. 

ECK, which was however disbanded after the flawed 2007 polls, set structures and standards that still inform election management today. 

“The transitional body, IIEC, was set up by parliament to champion electoral reforms in Kenya. There was need to start a fresh and to start and to start on the right foot. IEBC took over from IIEC and with a bigger mandate that included IIBRC’s mandate on boundaries,’’ said Mr. Yegon.  

A sectio of Bungoma residents who attended the unveiling of the new IEBC symbol at the Bungoma County Council hall. [PHOTO|silas Kibet Kemboi|West Fm]

He asked Kenyans to read the Constitution and get facts correctly saying some people still refer to the Commission as ECK, IIEC or even ICC, acronyms for the International Criminal Court. 

“If people cannot call us by our name, how will they know what we do? We therefore feel we need to be more conspicuous, not only in image but also in values and culture. The slogan: Your Vote, Your Future - an encapsulation of IEBC’s vision, mission, mandate and core values. Your Vote, Your Future’ is a pledge to voters, stakeholders and the international community,” he explained. 

He further explained that the logo denotes our country Kenya, a land wherein lies great potential which – in the right conditions- can be nurtured into possibility. Universally, white represents light, goodness, innocence, purity and transparency. In addition to these attributes he said white signifies peace. 

Among those who attended were Bungoma County Council chairman Mr. Meshack Wekesa and other stakeholders who appreciated the IEBC’s effort saying the current Constitution of Kenya gives Kenyans more space to bring more changes in the legal and administrative circles. 

The event was held at the Bungoma County Council hall.