Arise Media 
BY STEPHEN KILONZI
Youth across Mt. Kenya have launched a voter registration campaign to combat political apathy and ensure their voices influence leadership decisions in Kenya.
Spearheaded by Embu businessman and politician Ken Mugo, the initiative seeks to empower young people to participate in the electoral process and reject political intimidation.
Speaking during a youth gathering in Embu, Mugo emphasized that the youth form the backbone of Kenya’s electorate and must take responsibility for shaping their future.
“We cannot afford to sit back and complain about bad leadership if we are not voting. The future is in our hands, and we must register, mobilize, and vote wisely,” Mugo stated.
He dismissed claims that state agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the military were suppressing political voices, calling such fears baseless attempts to discourage civic engagement.
Mugo condemned the rampant use of bribery to sway young voters, warning against politicians who manipulate youth with handouts and alcohol to weaken their electoral participation.
“We have politicians who buy off young people and keep them intoxicated so that they don’t turn up at the polling stations. We must reject such leaders and their tricks,” he said.
Echoing his sentiments, Kirinyaga youth leader Wakio Kamau urged young people to go beyond being mere voters and seek elective positions themselves.
“For long, the youth have been reduced to cheerleaders in elections. We must now take the bold step of contesting leadership positions and proving that we have what it takes to govern,” she said.
Njambi Mutahi, another vocal youth activist, stressed the need for accountability, urging young voters to reject non-performing politicians and hold leaders responsible for their promises.
“The days of empty rhetorics are over. We need leaders who deliver, and if they don’t, we must kick them out of the office,” she declared.
With the voter registration drive gaining momentum, the youth of Mt. Kenya are taking a firm stand against political manipulation, determined to influence governance and demand accountability from elected leaders.
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