Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Saturday ordered that youths within Nyanza who don’t register as voters be denied food.
According to the opposition leader, youths ought to prepare for the August 9th election because he will complete projects started by president Uhuru Kenyatta once he vacates Statehouse in August 2022.
“I want many people to register as voters. Any youth who shall not have registered yet he or she is of age, should be denied food at home.” Said Raila Odinga.
A day earlier, the Orange democratic movement leader Raila Odinga threatened to bow out of the presidential race if his Nyanza backyard fails to achieve its targeted number of new registered voters.
The opposition leader expressed concern that support in his strongholds may not be realized because of low voter registration. The independent electoral and boundaries Commission is engaged in the second mass voter registration drive after a similar one last year.
According to a local publication, the Commission in the last election failed to reach its target because of factors like lack of voter education. It registered 34203 new voters in Homa Bay against a target of over 100,000.
Other counties in Nyanza had targets of nearly 100,000 but got less than half the number In the current drive, the IEBC targets 112,000 new voters in Homa Bay and other counties within Nyanza and its surroundings.
However, Raila Odinga confessed that the electoral body may once again not meet its target. “I have observed IBC clerks just seated with no one to register. This is making me think that my supporters do not want to register.” He said.
As a result, the orange democratic leader while in Homabay stated that he might decide to quit the race should he not get enough people registering as voters.
“My rivals are having their people register as voters in large numbers because they have taken the presidential race in 2022 seriously. When I walk out there I am embarrassed because of the manner in which you are not taking the matter seriously. Do you want me to quit the rest? If you do not register in numbers then I do not see the reason why I should contest. We have to take this matter seriously and register.” Said Raila odinga.
The opposition leader added that the good relationship between him and the head of state has worked well for the country both in terms of development and achieving peace.
“I thank the president for the handshake. I will ensure there is continuity in the ongoing projects. The next government will ensure that what starts now will help everyone.” He continued.
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