Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Bomet County, the Head of State said it was worrying that a large number of eligible young people in the region had not acquired national identity cards, while millions of ID holders were still not registered as voters.
Ruto noted that the situation could significantly weaken the region’s political influence if not addressed in time, warning that over 2.3 million potential voters from the Rift Valley risk missing out on the next election.
The President, who spoke partly in the Kalenjin language, said he was disappointed that despite government efforts to improve services and development in the region, many youths had not taken advantage of voter registration drives.
He revealed that close to half a million young people who have reached voting age are yet to obtain national identity cards, a key requirement for voter registration. Additionally, he said about 1.8 million citizens who already hold ID cards have not registered as voters.
“I have been working across the country asking for support, but it is painful when my own backyard is not fully prepared. How do you expect me to succeed if you are not registered?” he said, in remarks that drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
The President emphasized that voter registration is not only a civic duty but also a crucial step in ensuring that communities secure their representation and development interests at the national level.
He further urged local leaders, parents, and community elders to encourage young people to acquire identification documents and participate in the ongoing electoral process.
According to Ruto, failure to register in large numbers could weaken the region’s bargaining power in national politics, especially at a time when political competition is expected to intensify ahead of 2027.
Political analysts have noted that voter apathy has been a recurring challenge in some strongholds, often influenced by disillusionment, migration, and lack of awareness among young voters.
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