“The turnout so far is not encouraging given the IEBC’s target,” he warns
KISUMU, April 25, 2026 – The United Green Movement (UGM) presidential flag bearer David Maraga has urged the youth to register as voters in large numbers, as the ongoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) campaign approaches its conclusion.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, the former Chief Justice Emeritus stated that youth constitute 75% of Kenya’s population and that “the country belongs to them more than senior citizens.”
Uncollected IDs
Maraga expressed concern that around 1.4 million people, particularly in the Nyanza region, possess national IDs but remain unregistered as voters. An additional 80,000 IDs are uncollected at registration centres.
“We have an idea of the numbers that have turned up so far. It’s not encouraging given IEBC’s targets,” Maraga said. “You must come out, register and determine the future of your country.”
He warned that low turnout could lead to another “destructive government,” as he described the 2027 General Election as a critical moment: “We either get it right or we continue getting it wrong.”
Maraga also criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for directing that uncollected IDs be issued through MPs.
“I don’t know what authority he was using. He has no direct authority over the registrar of persons,” Maraga said. “This can be used for voter suppression.”
He cautioned that MPs might conceal IDs from constituents in areas they consider unfavourable. “An MP can win by one vote. Keeping a few cards where he knows people won’t vote for him can sway results.”
Political Goons
Maraga condemned the rising political intolerance and the exploitation of unemployed youth as thugs.
“Some politicians give them a bit of cash and use them for two to three days. What happens after that?” he asked. “Any worthy leader should be creating opportunities, not exploiting vulnerability.”
He stated that UGM aims to end violent politics: “These are the things that lead to failed states. Kenya is too great a country for that.”
Green Jobs Initiative
The UGM team visited an innovation hub NAAM led by Dave Ojay located in Dunga where party members transform lake waste and textiles into artworks and cushions.
“This is the kind of innovation we have in mind for Kenya,” party officials said. “It creates employment while addressing ecological issues.”
UGM Co-Secretary General Kato Wambua remarked that Lake Victoria is overwhelmed with waste, yet this presents an opportunity. “As we urbanise, waste management becomes a crisis. But it can generate meaningful green jobs for our youth.”
Meanwhile, Augustine Neto highlighted UGM’s manifesto, based on five pillars: youth unemployment, economy, environment, rule of law, and social justice.
Maraga was accompanied by UGM’s National Executive Committee and the Young Aspirants League. Since its launch on 1st February, the party’s Ukatiba Caravan has covered 41 counties.
The team urged Kenyans to elect Maraga for his integrity and his plan to create green jobs that “solve both ecological and employment challenges.”
