Mt Kenya youth have called on the government to extend the ongoing voter registration that is set to end in a week’s time.
The group dubbed Kanu Team Mt Kenya, wants the exercise extended by another 30 days to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to participate in next year’s general election.
Led by Albert Maguru, the youth said the government should allocate the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission more funds to facilitate the extension of the exercise.
“Even if it means creating a supplementary budget to get funds for the exercise, the government should do it. Kenyans should not be denied the opportunity to participate in the elections so that they can vote in their leaders of choice,” Maguru said.
They spoke during a voter registration mobilisation campaign at Mang’u, Igegania, Nyamathumbi, Karuri and Kamwangi in Gatundu North constituency on Saturday.
Maguru said most Kenyans especially in Central, have not registered as voters and should be given ample time to register noting that most have been busy at work.
“We all know how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected all Kenyans and most of them are struggling trying to put food on the table. Most of them have concentrated on their jobs and they are the ones we are saying they should be given more time so that they can register as voters,” he said.
Humphrey Njenga, the group’s organising secretary said besides extending the exercise, the government should embark on civic education across the country.
“Civic education is imperative to avoid voter apathy in next year’s general election. Most people and especially the youth, need to be educated on the importance of participating in an election,” Njenga said.
He at the same time said the team will be crisscrossing Mt Kenya region mobilising residents to register as voters to increase the region’s votes from the current 8 million votes to 10 million.
“Our votes will make our voices be heard and our priorities heeded. We have therefore decided to move to the entire Mt Kenya region to woo our people to register as voters so that we can vote in leaders who will address our plight and ensure that our issues are addressed,” he said.
At the same time, the youth called for political tolerance in the country ahead of the 2022 polls.
They called on relevant government authorities including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to ensure leaders who have been sowing seeds of anarchy and division in their campaigns are apprehended.
“Stringent measures should be taken against the leaders who are engaging in political spats that can interfere with our country’s peace,” said Evans Kuria, a member.
Kuria also called on youths across the country to desist from being used by politicians to cause fracas.
“We must not sell our future and lives to politicians with bribes. It is high we youths rise to the occasion and make informed and wise decisions by supporting visionary leaders who have the best interests of our country at heart,” Kuria said.
-Edited by SKanyara
