Kwale Senator Boy Juma launches IDs acquisition drive in Ukunda

Kwale Senator Boy Juma when he launched the ‘Ngumu Tupu’ campaign yesterday. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

Leaders yesterday launched a campaign in Ukunda to sensitise eligible locals to obtain national identification cards and register as voters.

The leaders said many locals lacked IDs and voter’s cards, a move that has locked them out of the electoral process.

“We want our people to register as voters so that their voices can also be heard in the coming elections but most importantly to acquire IDs to enable them to access opportunities, including loans from financial institutions,” said Senator Boy Juma.

The legislator urged Coast residents to reject calls by the pro-secessionist Mombasa Republican Council not to register as voters and boycott the elections.

“Reject all separatist calls to stay away from the polls,” he said.

He spoke during the launch of ‘Ngumu Tupu’, a campaign aimed at pushing eligible citizens to get IDs and register as voters.

He said the Opposition wants to win the coming elections and is ready to lead but this will happen only if “our supporters register in large numbers and take care of their identity and voter registration cards so as to be able to vote”.

“Residents in the coastal counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River need to register in large numbers and help the Opposition ascend to State power,” he said.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has been making renewed efforts to persuade potential voters to register as voters in their strongholds and participate in the electoral process in large numbers.

Mr Boy said voter apathy and low turnout of voters is a major problem at the Coast and the youth are the most affected.

He said: “If we register as voters in large numbers we will be able to provide the swing vote necessary to catapult Raila Odinga and CORD to power.”

‘Ngumu Tupu’ Chairman Hassan Chitembe said they would tour all corners of the vast county to sensitise residents.

“Anyone who does not have an ID will not get a voter’s card and will not be allowed to vote,” he said.