• Hussein wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be involved to ensure impartiality and professionalism.
• The board is set to announce the schedule for the polls this week with the exercise expected to be dispensed with by December 15.
Image: Hand out
Football Kenya Federation presidential hopeful Hussein Mohamed has called on the Electoral Board to release the voter register.
The Extreme Sports CEO said making the register public will prevent voter manipulation during the polls.
The federation unveiled a five-member board on Monday.
The board is chaired by University Professor Hesbon Owilla, secretary Marceline Sande — an advocate of the High Court, journalist James Waindi, former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule and Alfred Nganga.
Hussein fears the list could be tampered with and thus impact the results.
“We are aware of ongoing attempts to manipulate the voter register by individuals within the FKF Secretariat," he alleged.
The allegations were, however, trashed by FKF head of communications, Ken Okaka.
He said: "The electoral board is independent in its operations and the secretariat cannot, in whatever way, tamper with or manipulate the voter register. The allegations are baseless."
Hussein, however, insists making the voter register public will ensure fairness.
"The voter register needs to be public and secure to guarantee every eligible voter has a fair voice,” Hussein said.
He urged the board to operate independently and from a neutral location.
“The FKF Electoral Board must remain independent. Operating from a location detached from Kandanda House is key to safeguarding the process from the influence of current FKF officials, some of whom are candidates,” he stated.
Hussein wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be involved to ensure impartiality and professionalism.
“To uphold fairness, we urge the Electoral Board to engage the IEBC. Their experience and expertise are crucial for a credible and transparent election,” he added.
He recommended that polling stations for grassroots branch elections be established at county headquarters to avoid voter intimidation.
“To enhance accessibility and fairness, polling stations for branch grassroots elections should be located at county headquarters," he said.
"This will allow football delegates and voters to participate in the process without facing unnecessary logistical challenges and intimidation.”
Hussein said his camp would hold the Electoral Board accountable for any shortcomings in the process.
“We are committed to supporting a transparent and fair election. However, we will not hesitate to hold the board accountable if they fail to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and integrity,” he concluded.
The board is set to announce the schedule for the polls this week with the exercise expected to be dispensed with by December 15.