Register to vote and let's send Ruto home, Kalonzo tells youth
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing journalists at SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on December 9, 2024.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday, December 14 intensified his call on the youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Musyoka lamented that President William Ruto’s government was not keen on empowering the youth through sports—and should be sent home.
He cited the uncertainty surrounding the country’s preparedness to host the African Nations Championship (Chan) slated for February 1-28, and the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) games which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are to co-host in 2027.
The former vice president, who harbours 2027 presidential ambitions, chanced on the sporting event to criticise President Ruto.
He accused him of misrule.
He argued that the youthful vote is key in sending President Ruto home in the 2027 State House race.
“It is very embarrassing that uncertainty surrounds our preparedness to host Afcon. Instead of focusing on youth empowerment, Zakayo is focused on vaccinating cows. At this rate, (President) Ruto will have to go home. We are saying that the government must roll out a massive voter registration drive targeting the youth early next year. The youth should register as voters to send (President) Ruto home,” Mr Musyoka said.
He was speaking when he graced the finals of a football tournament dubbed Governor Wavinya Cup in Machakos Town.
Identifying as a footballer and the patron of Sofapaka Football Club, Mr Musyoka commended the level of football displayed during the final matches.
Katwanyaa Football Club of Matungulu Sub-county lifted the trophy in the men's category after flooring archrivals Kyevaluki Football Club of Kangundo Sub-county 2-0 in a scintillating match. In the women's category, Athiriver Queens Football Club thrashed Kathiani Queens Football Club 1-0 to emerge the victors.
Each of the winning teams took home Sh1 million while the first runners-up in both categories took home Sh500,000 from Machakos Governor Wavinya’s administration.
Mr Musyoka commended Ms Ndeti for organising the tournament for the second year running.
The governor said the tournament, which started at the county grassroots, was part of a raft of measures by her administration to nurture sporting talent in the county.
She commended Kenya Football Federation for working closely with the county government to ensure the success of the football tournament which she said had left a lasting impression.
"Last year a total of 12 players were scouted and recruited to various Kenya Premier League clubs in the top tier of football in Kenya. This year we expect more players to join top soccer clubs when the selection is finalized," Ms Ndeti said.
"Together we have nurtured talent, kept our young people away from destructive behaviour and injected some capital into the local economy by way of monetary awards. I urge the teams to prudently use the money they have earned through sweat by investing it well," she added.
