Murang’a: More than 300 residents, mostly young people, flocked to Gitugi grounds in Mathioya constituency, Murang’a County, for a voter registration sensitisation drive organised by Ahadi Kenya. Ahadi Kenya Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Stanley Kamau, who spearheaded the exercise, said the main hindrance to voter registration in the area has been the distance between residents and the Mathioya IEBC headquarters.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Kamau revealed that many locals faced challenges, particularly affording transport to reach registration centres, while some elderly and disabled residents struggled with mobility. ‘We are here to bring the service closer to the people,’ Dr. Kamau said, adding, ‘In this area, many people cannot walk long distances. We have to bring IEBC services to the grassroots in every possible way.’
He called on Kenyans of goodwill to support IEBC officials in reaching grassroots communities, thereby enabling more citizens to exercise their right to register as voters. ‘I urge leaders, including MPs, governors, MCAs, and all people of goodwill, to facilitate IEBC officials in accessing grassroots areas so that everyone can register,’ he said.
During the exercise, the CEO took time to engage with young registrants, encouraging them to take their civic duties seriously, while taking selfies with first-time voters as they queued to register. He also witnessed the registration process firsthand, including that of local resident James Mwangi, who was registered by Mathioya IEBC officer Caroline Ngithua.
Dr. Kamau urged the youth to embrace their voter’s card as their voice, saying meaningful civic participation, not violence or political slogans, was the most powerful way to influence leadership. He also emphasised the importance of using the vote as a peaceful tool for change, saying ‘the best way to express your views is through the ballot. There is no need for fighting or name-calling. Let’s use the power of the vote to shape good governance.’
He commended the high turnout and called for continuous civic education to ensure young people are empowered to make informed decisions at the ballot.