Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified calls for mass voter registration, rallying young Kenyans to take charge of the country’s political future.
The Democracy for Citizens (DCP) leader, who was accompanied by his spouse, Reverend Dorcas Gachagua, and sons Keith and Kelvin Gachagua, joined hundreds of youths in Karatina town, Mathira Constituency, during a voter registration exercise, said the growing participation of Gen Z signals a turning point in Kenya’s democracy.
“The young people of Kenya are a vibrant and dynamic force in decision-making and remain incorruptible. Their energy and innovation are unmatched,” he said on Thursday afternoon.
The former Deputy President also verified his voter details at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices during the NIKO KADI initiative.
He praised the youth for embracing voter registration, describing the exercise as a crucial step in reclaiming the country’s economic and political direction.
“I am genuinely encouraged by the young people's efforts to mobilize themselves for this noble cause of mass voter registration,” he said.
Gachagua challenged young voters to use their numerical strength at the ballot to elect accountable leaders and reject those he accused of failing the nation.
“This will ensure they exercise their democratic right to vote out rogue and unapologetic destroyers of our economy and their future,” he said.
He urged eligible Kenyans, especially first-time voters, to register in large numbers ahead of the next General Elections.
“Let us make a powerful statement on the ballot next year and shape a better Kenya for all,” he added.
In Mathira Constituency, Gachagua confirmed that over 100,000 people have so far registered as voters. The Returning Officer of Mathira briefed him that they need around 29,000 more young people to register. Gachagua stated that he has already liaised with local leaders from the area and is mobilising efforts to reach this target.
Regarding himself and his family, Gachagua said that their details are up to date and that they have updated their biometrics. On election day, he stated, they will wake up at 3:00 am to vote together as a family.
Meanwhile, the IEBC has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding voter participation through the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Recently, IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon said the commission is targeting young people who have recently turned 18, as well as unregistered voters and those seeking to update their details.
“The CVR exercise is a vital step in ensuring that every eligible Kenyan has the opportunity to participate in shaping the country’s future through democratic elections,” he said.
