Gachagua urges youth to register as voters ahead of 2027 polls

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rallied the country’s youthful populace to register as voters in their numbers ahead of the next General Election, if they are to achieve meaningful change in their clamour for good governance.

Gachagua, who spoke at his party DCP’s Youth League forum, argued that the current youth numbers in the country are enough to send President William Ruto home in 2027 and usher in an era of youth leadership that he says the country has long missed out on.

The call by the DCP leader comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) revealed it was trailing far behind targets in the ongoing voter registration, as youth keep away from the exercise.

Gachagua rallied the country’s youthful constituency to register as voters and supplement efforts by the opposition aimed at sending President Ruto home come August 2027.

“You guys are the majority in this country. This country is in your hands. There is nothing Rigathi Gachagua can do to liberate this country alone. If I don’t have the support of the young people, the exercise is in futility. And this country will be delivered on the ballot box,” he said.

In rallying young Kenyans who brought the country to a standstill during protests in June 2024 as they challenged the country’s governance, Gachagua asked the youth to seek elective positions in the election that is 21 months away. He said the time was ripe for Kenya to experience youthful leadership.

“My mission is very simple, to help you, the young people, get rid of Kasongo and take your rightful place in the governance of this country. Mimi ata nikimaliza hiyo kazi niende Wamunyoro nikapumzike, I will be quite happy,” said Gachagua.

His call came as the electoral body expressed disappointment at the low numbers of youth who have registered as voters, more than a month since the exercise began.

As of October 31st, IEBC said it had recorded a total of 90,020 new voters, with the Coastal region recording the lowest numbers in the country.

“Out of a target of 183, as things currently stand, we have 3,976, which is way, way below completely,” said commission Chair Erastus Edung.

“Youth, you have the power to make any meaningful change in this country. And in order for you to do that, you have to have your voice heard. The only way your voice can be heard is through the ballot, not fighting. You can’t go to the streets and achieve what you want to achieve,” said IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.

The low numbers, though attributed to the delay in distribution of ID cards in the region, have prompted calls to action from civil society players in the region, who are asking those with ID cards to register.

“Please, come out and register to vote. You are the future of this country, you are the present of this country. And you cannot allow yourself not to participate in the decisions that will be made in 2027,” said Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid.