NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 22 – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans who have yet to register as voters to do so before the registration window closes to ensure their voices are heard during next year’s General Election.
Addressing a meeting of Bungoma stakeholders at Mabanga FTC in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula noted that many Kenyans had yet to register as voters despite intense civic campaigns and persistent reminders from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“Your vote is your greatest asset for ensuring your voice is heard at the election, and it really matters the most,” noted Wetang’ula.
He added: “There are so many ID-holding Kenyans amongst us who are yet to register as voters. Please make an effort to do so as soon as possible.”
The Speaker added that the election offered the best opportunity for Kenyans to safeguard the development gains achieved so far under the President William Ruto-led Government.
He noted that Bungoma was among the key beneficiaries of the President’s deliberate efforts to distribute development projects equitably across the country.
“We have gained a lot as Bungoma County, and we stand to gain even more by maintaining the current development trajectory by having this Government re-elected under President Ruto,” said Wetang’ula.
The Speaker also reiterated his call for an end to the culture of ethnic politics and goonism, which he again stressed posed a major threat not only to the sanctity of Kenya’s electoral processes but also to national security.
“Please don’t be swayed into this dangerous culture of violence and political goonism. The perpetrators of this mean no good to the country,” said Wetang’ula.
Bungoma Senator and Senate Majority Whip Wafula Wakoli revisited the calls for Speaker Wetang’ula to position himself in readiness to succeed President William Ruto in 2032.
Senator Wakoli stressed that Wetang’ula, as the country’s third-in-command, stood the best chance to lead the Western Region’s charge to the Statehouse.
“You are a very selfless man, a gifted leader and a dedicated statesman, and we believe that Kenya will be safest in your hands after President Ruto,” said Senator Wakoli.
During the event, residents also aired concerns about a range of issues affecting them, including suggestions to fast-track the upgrade of Bungoma Town and to complete ongoing development projects.
The meeting also provided residents, business and opinion leaders with an invaluable opportunity to discuss a range of local and national issues.
The Speaker also reminisced about memories from my childhood growing up in the neighbourhood of Bungoma Town and met great friends from my childhood and school days.
