VOTER’S CARD FOR MAIZE! Kwanza residents get maize after registering as voters

Residents of Keiyo Ward in Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia County flocked to voter registration centers to receive free maize distributed by a local farmer to encourage them to turn up in big numbers and register as voters.

At Kapkoi market, residents queued to receive a 2-kg tin, locally known as gorogoro, of maize after registering as voters.

Benson Kiteru said he had offered several bags of maize to benefit residents turning up to register as voters.

“I realized that since the mass registration exercise began, the turnout was still very low and I decided to donate the maize to encourage them secure the voter cards,” said Kiteru, who said he has no political interest.

Bags of maize was availed at the registration center and only those who produced the voter’s card were given.

Most beneficiaries described the donation as a wonderful gift owing to the biting drought that has led to high cost of food.

The cost of maize has shot up following persistent drought with a 2-kg tin selling at between Ksh 80 and Ksh 100.

Ms Grace Wanyama, one of the beneficiaries, was overwhelmed with joy when she received two tins of maize after flashing her voter card to the youth distributing the maize.

“My children will enjoy a meal today. I did not have money to buy maize and I’m happy to receive free maize,” said the mother of five.

A rider, John Oyaro, said he was not in a hurry to register as a voter but the maize offer forced him to abandon his business to turn up to the registration center.

“I had no plans to turn up here to register as a voter but when I heard there was free maize I suspended my business in order to benefit from the maize,” said Oyaro.

Written by Erick Kombo