The Head of State also flagged off a truck that will do road shows across the country to drum up support for voter registration/FILE
MURANG’A, Kenya, Jan 19 – President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday kicked off a voter registration awareness campaign that will take him across the country by urging Kenyans, particularly the youth, to register in large numbers.
He said by registering as voters, the youth – who are the majority – will be have a direct say in determining their future by electing leaders they feel will cater for their interests.
He spoke in Murang’a County as State House announced a revision in his schedule. After Murang’a the President will now spend the following seven days visiting Isiolo, Meru, Samburu, Garissa, Kitui, Marsabit and Kajiado, before returning to Nairobi at the end of next week.
“The only way for you to ensure the leaders of your choice get elected in the coming elections is by registering as a voter. That will enable you to take part in shaping the future of this country,” President Kenyatta urged the youth at Kandara, one of the more than two dozen stops on the first day.
The Head of State also flagged off a truck that will do road shows across the country to drum up support for voter registration.
He emphasised that registration was the only instrument available to ensure that a people participated in electing their leaders, rather that complain about performance.
“By registering as voters, you will have the opportunity to exercise your democratic right by choosing the leaders of your choice,” President Kenyatta said.
The President also asked the relevant government department to ensure that the youth across the country are issued with national Identity cards so that they can register as voters.
Saying the electorate will decide the leaders they want, President Kenyatta said there were no preferred candidates in the Jubilee Party.
“All aspirants vying for the Jubilee Party ticket will be accorded equal opportunity and wananchi will have the final say in which candidate will fly the party’s flag in their area,” President Kenyatta said.
He asked aspirants to embrace peace when the time comes for them to go out to seek votes from the electorate.
“As you go out to seek votes, do not divide Kenyans or incite the youth to fight. Kenyans are smart people and they will elect leaders based on their commitment to development,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta also chatted with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials to check on the progress of the voter registration exercise.
The Head of State also interacted directly with citizens as he urged those who have not registered as voters to do so.
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