Mbeere South DC Layford Kibaara has raised concern over the residents reluctance to register as voters.

He said rumours circulating in the area that the Biometric voter registration is meant to track down criminals through the fingerprints is false.

The DC termed the rumours as baseless and misleading. Kibaara said the BVR system of registration is a technology meant to make rigging difficult. He said the kit will enable voters elect leaders of their choice.

"Some people in Kiambeere have refused be registered as voters because they fear they will be tracked down," said the DC. Speaking at Meka market at the weekend Kibaara said the area has 60,000 registered voters but only 27,000 had registered so far.

He warned those spreading the rumours will be arrested. Kibaara called on the residents to come out in large numbers and register. He said the registration period will end next week and it will be nit be extended.

The DC told the residents they will only influence the political destiny of the country if they registered and voted in the March 4, elections.

Kibaara said the rumours and voter apathy had contributed to the slow pace of the registration. The Chiefs have been assuring the people that it is not the business of the IEBC to track down criminals.

The provincial administration officials have been telling the people the fingerprints will be used to identify one during the voting and ensure people do not vote twice. The DC asked the aspirants to ensure they conduct peaceful campaigns.