A high-profile Kenya voter register drive gained fresh energy when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spoke after confirming his own details alongside his wife and sons at an IEBC office in Mathira, Nyeri County. The moment quickly drew attention as Gachagua used the opportunity to urge thousands of young people to get their names on the list ahead of the 2027 elections.
It all unfolded on Thursday, March 26, during the ongoing Niko Kadi initiative led mostly by Gen Z activists. Gachagua arrived with Pastor Dorcas Rigathi and their two boys. They walked into the registration centre, updated their biometric data and received confirmation that they were properly listed as voters.
The returning officer even shared numbers with him showing over 105,000 people had already signed up in the area, with a target of 29,000 more young voters still needed locally.
Gachagua did not waste time after the confirmation. He addressed the crowd that had gathered and spoke directly to the youth. He told them the real change for the country would not come from phones or online talk but from showing up at the ballot box.
He said young people cannot be bought off with small gifts like beans or handouts because they see through empty promises. His words carried a clear message that this generation holds the power to shape Kenya’s future if enough of them register and vote.
He went further and set a big goal. Gachagua called for six million young Kenyans to join the voter register so that on August 10 next year the nation wakes up early and makes decisions that matter.
He praised the Gen Z movement, saying he loves and trusts them completely. He added that he feels proud to stand with them because they represent fresh energy and honest voices that the country needs.
The event mixed excitement with some pushback. While many young people joined the convoy and walked with him to the IEBC offices, others kept their distance.
Some activists behind Niko Kadi reminded everyone that the campaign started as a pure youth effort to increase participation without heavy political influence. A few voices even told Gachagua to step back, claiming he was trying to ride the wave for his own benefit. Yet he stayed focused on the numbers and kept encouraging registration across Mt Kenya and beyond.
This push comes at a busy time for voter registration in Kenya. The IEBC has been opening centres and extending hours to make it easier for first-time voters, especially those who turned 18 since the last election.
Political parties on all sides know that every new name on the list could shift the balance in 2027. Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, positioned his remarks as support for broader participation rather than narrow party gains. Still, his presence turned the local drive into national news.
He touched on bigger issues too. Gachagua reminded listeners that past protests showed what young people can achieve when they speak with one voice. He said the next step is translating that energy into votes so leaders listen more carefully.
His family moment added a personal touch. Seeing a former second in command bring his wife and children to verify their details sent a simple message that everyone from top families to ordinary homes should take part.
Not everyone agrees with his approach. Some critics point out that Gachagua himself has raised alarms in recent weeks about possible irregularities in the voter register, including claims of foreigners being added or old records not being cleaned properly.
Supporters say his call to register more youth actually helps fix those worries by making the list bigger and harder to manipulate. Either way, the conversation about fair elections keeps growing louder as the countdown to 2027 speeds up.
Back in Mathira the atmosphere felt charged. Hundreds of young men and women walked through the streets with Gachagua’s group before heading to the registration points.
Some carried placards urging friends to get their cards. Others filmed the event and shared live updates that spread fast online. The mix of political heavyweights and youth energy created scenes that many had not seen in previous registration exercises.
For ordinary Kenyans watching from afar the message is straightforward. Registering to vote takes little time but carries real weight. Whether you support Gachagua, his opponents or no one in particular, the chance to have your say only comes when your name sits correctly on that list. Delays or excuses now could mean sitting out decisions that affect jobs, schools, security and daily life for years ahead.
Gachagua wrapped up his talk with optimism. He said the youth will make the country proud if they seize this moment. As he left the centre with his family confirmed and ready, the bigger question hung in the air. Will enough young Kenyans answer the call and turn out in large numbers next year?
