Top officials in Nyanza Region have issued impassioned pleas to residents to register as voters, warning that the region risks political marginalization if current trends continue.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Prof. Aduol, speaking during a tour of Siaya County, said preliminary figures show the region is lagging behind.
“From Nyamira, to Kisii, to Migori, to Homa Bay, to Siaya we are not doing well. In Siaya, we are at 55 percent of the target we gave you,” he said, adding that overall registration in the five counties visited stood at about 60 percent of the set targets. “We have a problem, my friends. A community celebrated as intelligent and hardworking cannot afford to rationalize itself out of voting.”
He attributed the slow turnout to voter apathy, particularly among the youth, and urged residents to take registration seriously.
“There is no way you can have your voice heard in the political space if you don’t register as a voter. It is not only your right, it is actually a responsibility as a citizen,” he said.
Prof. Aduol also dismissed claims that IEBC cannot be trusted, insisting the commission operates professionally and is highly regarded across Africa. He emphasized that registration will continue beyond the April 28 deadline at Huduma Centres and IEBC offices.
He urged the youth to take responsibility, stressing that their future depends on participation. “Your vote is your voice. If you don’t register, you silence yourself,” he added.
Siaya County Commissioner Nobert Komora struck a dramatic tone, likening unregistered supporters to “soldiers without weapons.” He said leaders would adopt a multi-agency approach, combining efforts with IEBC and civil registration offices to ensure young people collect identity cards and register simultaneously.
Youth leaders echoed the urgency. Fredrick Dao, Prime Minister of the Siaya Youth Assembly, told young people: “We are protecting our future. If it is not us, we will not achieve anything. Your vote, your life.”
Officials emphasized that registration will continue beyond the April 28 deadline at Huduma Centres and IEBC offices, but warned that the region must act quickly to avoid falling behind other parts of the country.
