Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has challenged Kenyans to register as voters, stressing that the one-term movement will not succeed without people taking seriously the important democratic exercise.

Speaking on Friday, July 11, 2025, during the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Kangema, Muranga County, the renowned activist maintained that voting is the only sure way of getting President Ruto out of office.

“I beseech you to take up voting credentials. This one-term thing will not succeed if we do not have votes. The voters’ card is the only weapon we have,” he said.

While borrowing from the priest presiding over the burial function, Omtatah further reiterated calls to vote for leaders of reputable standing.

“You must also recognise that the parliament has been taken over. We have no national assembly. You stand on your own, and therefore you have to register as voters. You heard the priest preach about ‘rubbish in, rubbish out!, so ensure you don’t elect rubbish leaders,” he added.

His sentiments come as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hit out at leaders opposed to the current regime, stating that only the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) would determine the next crop of leaders after the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Friday, July 11, 2025, Kindiki observed that the government would remain focused, adding that only the IEBC will determine the winner of the next elections.

“We shall remain steadfast and protect the constitution and our nation against war, violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property,” Kindiki said.

Wait for another time

“IEBC and your votes will decide who the other leaders will be after the next general elections. You will vote, and the IEBC will count the votes and announce the winner. Whoever is dissatisfied with the outcome of the vote will proceed to the courts, and when the courts make a decision, we shall proceed even if you are not content; you will wait for another time.”

The DP made the remarks just hours after IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon was sworn in alongside six other commissioners on Friday, July 11, 2025, following a protracted court battle.

IEBC full in-tray

IEBC comes to the office with a full in-tray after being dysfunctional for years following the resignation of commissioners and the expiry of the tenure of its former chairperson, the late Wafula Chebukati.