MURANG’A— Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a direct appeal to young Kenyans: register to vote now or risk being locked out of choosing the country’s next leaders in 2027.
Speaking in Kangema, Murang’a County, on Friday, Prof. Kindiki urged citizens to take advantage of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s ongoing registration drive.
“I want to ask all eligible voters who have not registered to do so,” he told residents at the General Kago Stadium. “It is your right to vote, but you can only participate if you are on the roll.”
The Deputy President stressed that democracy depends on citizens showing up at the ballot box. “You can only choose your leaders through your vote,” he said. “Without it, you cannot take part in making that choice.”
Warning to contractors
Prof. Kindiki also used the occasion to warn contractors handling public projects against delays. He said the government would not tolerate “sloppiness” after releasing billions of shillings to speed up works in Mt. Kenya and beyond.
“Contractors who are slowing down work, yet they have been paid, will be tasked to explain why,” he said. “We want projects completed faster and on time.”
He singled out the Mau Mau roads network in Murang’a and neighbouring counties, vowing that funds had already been released and work must move swiftly.
Projects in Murang’a
Kindiki listed several initiatives under way in the county. They include:
- 23 modern markets worth KSh3 billion, nearly complete.
- Affordable housing projects valued at KSh11 billion.
- KSh3.4 billion for hostels in Murang’a University College, Murang’a Teachers College, KMTCs, and technical institutes.
- KSh1.2 billion for electricity connections, with Kangema receiving KSh270 million.
- Road works worth KSh60 million already disbursed, with more promised.
- An upgrade of General Kago Stadium to international standards.
- Equipping Kangema Level 4 Hospital with more doctors and medical staff.
He also encouraged residents to enrol in the government’s new Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, noting that uptake in the county remained low. The expanded Linda Mama scheme, now Linda Jamii, he said, would cover entire families.
Political undertone
Kindiki praised Murang’a’s elected leaders for “working closely with government” to secure development funds. He dismissed opposition critics, accusing them of “lamenting instead of offering solutions.”
“The major role of leaders is to listen to the people and address their issues,” he said. “It is not right for a leader to lament alongside wananchi when they are in a better place to find solutions.”
The event drew senior figures from across the political spectrum, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and several MPs, senators, and MCAs.
For Kindiki, the day was part civic education, part political message: that Kenya’s youth, by registering and voting, hold the power to shape the next chapter of the country’s leadership.
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