Gachagua Urges Youth to Register as Voters Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Ivy Nyaboke 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Kenyan youth to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying their participation is key to shaping the country’s leadership and future.

Speaking during his Democratic Change Party (DCP) Youth League forum, Gachagua said the youth have the numerical power to bring change, even suggesting they could vote out President William Ruto in the next election. He urged young people to stop complaining about bad governance and instead take action through the ballot.

“You are the majority in this country. This nation is in your hands. If young people don’t participate, there will be no meaningful change,” said Gachagua

His appeal comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reports a low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise. According to the commission, only 90,020 new voters had been listed by the end of October, with the Coast region recording the lowest numbers.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan have urged young people to use their numbers to influence change through the ballot rather than protests.

Civil society groups have also joined the push, with Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid urging youth to take charge of their future by registering to vote.

“The future belongs to you. You cannot afford to stay out of the decisions that will shape Kenya in 2027.” he said.