Uhuru urges locals to register as voters, re-elect him

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses a crowd at Laare market in Meru County on January 21, 2017. He urged the youth to register as voters. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Further, he said he should be re-elected so that he can continue accomplishing his development ambitions.
  • President Kenyatta cautioned youth to stay away from politicians who only seek to advance their selfish interests.

President Uhuru Kenyatta admitted that Cord leader Raila Odinga is a formidable challenge against his re-election bid, hence urging his supporters to enlist as voters and vote for him in the General Election this year.

Mr Kenyatta said he can only secure a win if the people register in large numbers.

"I am looking for votes for presidency but there's a person who is always on my neck..if youth fail to register as voters I will have problems," President Kenyatta said in Maua, Meru County.

He thus ordered chiefs and their assistants to deliver uncollected identity cards (ID) to the owners.

Mr Kenyatta said that is one way of enlisting new voters.

He is touring Maili Tatu, Laare, Kianjai, Mikinduri and Kangeta towns.

Further, he said he should be re-elected so that he can continue accomplishing his development ambitions.

"It is only through voting that we will have good leadership. You cannot stay away from voting and then complain about bad leadership.

"Turn up in large numbers, register as voters and vote in August," he said.

The President's visit was not smooth.

In Kianjai, the crowd jeered when the President mentioned the names of Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Woman Rep Florence Kajuju - who accompanied him - and instead cheered for the President's advisor Kilemi Mwiria.

Mr Mwiria is vying for the county's gubernatorial seat.

In some registration centres in Igembe and Tigania, the crowd shouted "PNU" and "Munya" after President Kenyatta's motorcade had left.

Governor Peter Munya is the PNU party leader.

At the same time, President Kenyatta cautioned youth to stay away from politicians who only seek to advance their selfish interests.

"If they (politicians) incite you to fight, tell them to bring their own children to fight.

At Laare, he told the residents he will receive a report from the miraa taskforce that will inform the government's plans of improving the industry.