Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration.
He said it is worrying that some counties such as Nyamira—his backyard—had recorded the lowest registration as IEBC enters week two of the exercise.
“It’s worrying to see that some counties just managed to register 10 voters in the first week. We are asking the youth the seize the opportunity and register to have their voices heard,” he said.
The former CS also asked the youth not to wait to be mobilised or enticed by politicians to register as voters, saying enlisting oneself with the IEBC is a civic responsibility.
“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 here. If you lie in Lavington or Kawangware, register here. There is no need to travel all the way to Kanyamkago or Rarieda,” the ex-CS said.
He spoke yesterday at Lavington SDA church in Nairobi, when he joined the Adventist Men Organisation (AMO) prayer breakfast under the theme ‘Show yourself a Man-for God and country.’
The meeting brought together men of faith for a reflection, mentorship and fellowship—a moment to renew commitment to the values that strengthen family and nation.
The former CS, who has yet to formally declare his party, used the opportunity to reassure his supporters that he will vie for presidency while acknowledging the journey ahead will be tough.
He asked the church and particularly the youth to stand up and demand accountability by questioning public policies and conduct of those holding public offices.
“You will hear of a lot of stories, some even maligning members of our families, but that’s the nature of politics. It’s the sacrifice we must make if we have to redeem our countries. Just like the founders of the nation fought for liberation, we must be prepared to sacrifice for the country that we love. We don’t have any other home,” he said.
He urged the youth to shun tribalism and vote for leaders based on their track records. “It’s only during elections that the issue of this one is Luo, that one Kikuyu and the other one Kisii and so forth, come up. We can overcome this and look for diligent leaders.”
While referring to a famous quote by former US President JF Kennedy “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”, Matiang’i said Kenyans have to change their concept of what their contribution to nation building is.
It’s through elections, according to Matiang’i that firm leadership is put in place, only when voters exercise their civic duties.
The former CS recalled that before 2022, he warned the country that people of dubious characters popularly referred to us ‘wash wash’ will be elected to offices.
“I am happy that I have finally been vindicated. The US government has already grey listed Kenya because it’s the hub of money laundering. This is what we were warning the country,” he said.
by GEOFFREY MOSOKU
