Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has raised concerns over the low voter registration turnout across the country, urging young people to take advantage of the ongoing exercise and enlist as voters.
Speaking during a prayer breakfast organized by the Adventist Men Organisation (AMO) at the Lavington SDA Church in Nairobi, Matiang’i expressed worry that some counties, including his home county of Nyamira, had recorded dismal numbers in the first week of registration.
“It’s worrying to see that some counties just managed to register 10 voters in the first week. We are asking the youth to seize the opportunity and register to have their voices heard,” Matiang’i said.
He appealed to the youth not to wait for politicians to entice or mobilize them to register, emphasizing that voter registration is a civic duty. “I am also asking you to register where you live. We must stop this culture of migrating to the villages to register there when we live in towns,” he added.
Matiang’i, who hinted at running for the presidency though yet to declare his political vehicle, used the event to encourage Kenyans—especially the youth—to demand accountability from leaders and participate actively in nation-building.
Drawing inspiration from former US President John F. Kennedy, he reminded Kenyans to focus on their contribution to the country’s progress. “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,” he quoted.
The former CS also reiterated his past warning that individuals of questionable integrity had infiltrated leadership positions, saying Kenya’s recent grey-listing by the US over money laundering vindicated his earlier caution.
Matiang’i concluded by urging voters to shun tribal politics and elect leaders based on integrity and performance rather than ethnicity.
