Pro Uhuru, Raila MPs rally youths in Nyanza to register as voters

Four MPs allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga want youths in Nyanza to come out in large numbers and register as voters.

The legislators argued that they want the peace and tranquillity that was started after the truce between Uhuru and Raila to continue for the economic development of the country.

They said enlisting as voters and electing leaders who support Uhuru and Raila will ensure the handshake agenda continues after the 2022 elections.

The MPs Sabina Chege (Muranga), Charles Njagagua (Mbeere North), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Martin Owino (Ndhiwa) said it was important for Nyanza people, who majority support Raila, not to remain laggard in the IEBC registration exercise.

Chege argued that Uhuru and Raila have good agenda for the youth, adding that youths in the Nyanza region should not allow to be hoodwinked with empty promises.

She urged youths in Nyanza to avoid apathy and instead turn up and register in large numbers.

“Youths in this region should know that numbers matter. Turn up and register as voters for the continuity of the handshake and its development agenda,” Chege said.

Speaking on Friday when they launch the Wanga Genowa NGAAF tournament at Okok grounds in Kologi ward, Ndhiwa constituency, Chege expressed concerns that the number was still very low.

Mass voter registration is coming to an end on November 2, but IEBC will offer continuous voter registration.

The electoral agency expected to register over 170,000 new people in Homa Bay but has currently registered only 18,000.

Chege said it was wrong for the people of Nyanza who are perceived to be supporters of Raila to be pushed to take voters cards.

Also present was Keiyo North MP James Murgor.

The leaders also called on the residents to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Mt Kenya people are registering in readiness to reciprocate. Why can’t you do the same and hand baba (Raila) the big seat?” she asked.

Njagagua and Murgor said registering as voters would enable youths to elect leaders of their choice in the 2022 general poll.

“I tell you the people of Homa Bay and Nyanza as a whole that we’re ready to support Raila for the presidency. The best thing you should do is to register as voters,” Njagagua said.

Murgor told youths that participating in elections determines the development they want.

“Register and ensure you vote in people who are development conscious,” he said.

Wanga and Owino said they have made arrangements to bring to the residents uncollected ID cards to enable them to register as voters.

“We’re ready to facilitate the people who want to register for IDs and as voters. Let’s turn up and get counted,” Wanga said.

Owino said they have ordered printed IDs to be brought to the county for youths to register as voters.

Edited by D Tarus