Inside Politics

Matiang’i encourages Gen Z to register as voters to make their voices count

Wednesday 21st January, 2026 05:58 PM| By Cy Muganda

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has urged young Kenyans to register as voters, emphasising that democratic participation is essential for ensuring their voices are heard in national affairs.

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Matiang’i said he engaged with Gen Z visitors who paid him a courtesy call, using the opportunity to stress the importance of youth participation in electoral processes.

“I spent the day engaging Gen Zs who paid me a courtesy visit. I encouraged them to register and be heard,” Matiang’i stated.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, during an engagement with youths who paid him a courtesy call, on January 21, 2026. PHOTO/@RealMatiangi/X — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, during an engagement with youths who paid him a courtesy call, on January 21, 2026. PHOTO/@RealMatiangi/X

The Jubilee Party’s presidential candidate framed voter registration not just as a civic duty but as the foundation of a functioning democracy.

“A strong democracy begins with young people choosing to participate,” he emphasised.

Shaping the country’s future

His remarks echo his New Year message, where he urged Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take active steps in shaping the country’s future ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Unless substantial efforts are made in 2026, our country will continue sliding into the abyss of poverty and dehumanising living conditions. Unprecedented corruption levels within government and unfair distribution of public resources continue to hurt our country in unimaginable ways,” he stated in a post on his X account on January 1, 2026.

He called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to facilitate a nationwide mass registration exercise, with special attention to universities and colleges, to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.

“With our eye firmly focused on winning the General Election in 2027, I urge all eligible Kenyans, mainly the youth, to register as voters in large numbers. To facilitate this process, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission must urgently launch a nationwide mass registration exercise to ensure no one is left behind in the process. Specifically, voter registration points should be opened up in universities and colleges for all youth to access the centres,” he stated.