Mass voter registration in Mount Kenya region has deteriorated, registering uncharacteristically low numbers. IEBC have missed their set voter target again with the new voter listing set to reshape the 2022 presidential race.
Counties where favorite presidential candidates Raila Odinga and Deputy William Ruto come from registered highest in the voter listings ahead of the fast approaching August 2022 General Elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission disclosed the data after two enhanced voter registration exercises that were launched on November 2021 and January – February 2022.
Murang’a recorded the lowest with 7 per cent; Laikipia Nyeri, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga ahead by 1 per cent registering 8 per cent voter listing. Embu and Kiambu registered 9 and 10 per cent respectively.
Lack of a strong presidential candidate from the region might be considered as a reason for the low voter registration turn out. However, IEBC acting CEO Marjan Hussein blames the unsatisfactory numbers on youth who don’t want to vote.
“This is a wrong nation,” he said
Ms Koki Muli, an electoral specialist, held the leaders responsible for the poor turn out.
“People get tired and in some cases resign to fate. You cannot be promising people development but when you get elected, you forget. It is time to convince people by walking the campaign talk,” she said.
