Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has commended the decision to use KIEMS kit in the general elections saying the manual register was a loophole for rigging elections.
The incumbent governor who is seeking to retain his seat on a UDA Party ticket noted that he was impressed by the efficiency of the KIEMS kit and that it only took seconds for him to be recognized by the system which meant it was efficient in delivering a credible election.
While addressing the media shortly after casting his vote at Rubate Primary School in Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Njuki acknowledged that the use of KIEMS in the election would solve electoral malpractices witnessed in previous elections.
“Despite my old fingerprints the KIEMS kit was able to identify me in seconds and that is why we are proponents of the kit to avoid the manual register system that is likely to be manipulated," he said.
Several top political candidates across the country were unable to vote at their polling stations after some of the KIEMS kits failed to capture their data.
The leaders included Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Roots Party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah and UDA presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua.
Njuki hit out at his opponents who claimed they were enticing voters at ques, roadsides and polling centre entries saying they were campaigning against the stipulated time and that no one can force the people to vote in their favour.
He further condemned rumours that identity cards were being bought from voters to sabotage and weaken their votes, asking the youth to uphold election ethics.
“Rumors have it that politicians are buying identity cards. It is an act of shame that is actually killing the culture of honesty. Buying of IDs should be condemned because it denies the voter the opportunity of voting in the other five positions," he said.
The first-time governor noted a few election hitches witnessed across the county, with the notable incident being that of Tharaka Constituency where voting was delayed by close to four hours in all polling stations.
He called on the constituency returning officer to extend voting in Tharaka up to 7 Pm, to compensate for lost time and allow voters to make their decision.
Njuki appealed to Kenyans to maintain peace after the election results saying it was not a matter of life and death and called on all candidates to accept the outcome and will of the people.
“This is just a competition, which will be over today and we can go on with other things tomorrow. Those who win will become leaders and those who lose will live to fight another day," he said.
