Karua says Sh1,000 ID fee will hinder jobless youths' participation in 2027 polls

The government has been urged to ensure the youth are not blocked from participating in the 2027 elections due to the requirement to pay Sh1,000 for an identity card.

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua claimed that the government is intentionally making it difficult for the youth to register as voters by imposing the ID fee, which many unemployed youths cannot afford.

She called for the reversal of the fee, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the youth.

“There is a scheme to deny Gen Zs the ability to register as voters. We want free IDs for youths as well as continuous registration of voters. Every Kenyan has a right to elect leaders of their choice without any hindrances,” she said.

She said many young people are struggling financially, with their parents also bearing the brunt of the ongoing economic recession.

“Youths who have attained 18 years must be given IDs free of charge. Our youths are unemployed, and their parents are suffering under the current economic recession. They can’t afford Sh1,000,” Karua said.

Karua was speaking at her home in Kimunye village, Kirinyaga County, where she hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagu.

Gen Z political influence

She accused President William Ruto’s administration of fearing the political influence of Gen Z.

“The government knows that Gen Zs are a force to reckon with after they attempted to kick it out of power, and whether they like it or not, the Gen Z must get IDs,” she said.

The Narc Kenya leader warned Ruto that he would face a formidable political challenge in the 2027 elections.

“We shall rally Kenyans to liberate the country economically, socially, and politically and defeat Dr Ruto hands down,” she said.

Karua also criticised the President for what she termed as a disregard for the Constitution he swore to protect.

She accused the head of state of engineering the removal of Gachagua from office, contrasting it with how former President Uhuru Kenyatta treated him during their tenure.

“He should not be allowed to operate as if the Constitution does not exist,” Karua said.

Other Topics To Read

• Politics
• Headlines
• William Ruto
• Rigathi Gachagua
• Martha Karua
• Gen Z
• Maina Njenga
• Narc Kenya leader
• 2027 elections
• ID cards
• Karua says Sh1
• 000 ID fee will hinder jobless youths' participation in 2027 polls

“Dr Ruto used to complain that Uhuru Kenyatta was oppressing him. Mr Kenyatta allowed Ruto to remain in office and didn’t have him impeached. Mr Kenyatta didn’t conduct a sham impeachment like the one Dr Ruto conducted against Gachagua. But he should know that he impeached Gachagua, but Kenyans have declared him the people’s deputy president.”

Karua encouraged Gachagua to continue engaging with the public and pursue his political ambitions without fear.

“I’m pursuing my ambition for the presidency, and my brother, Gachagua, should do the same. When the time is near, we’ll come up with one presidential candidate to battle it out with Dr Ruto,” she said.

She also warned former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga against being manipulated by the state to disrupt meetings organised by government critics.

“Let us preserve our peace. Even other leaders across the country should ensure that peace prevails,” she said, adding that while Njenga has the right to support Ruto, he should not infringe on the rights of others.

On his part, Gachagua urged Gen Z not to be intimidated and to continue fighting for their rights.

“The ongoing abductions should not discourage you. All of us must unite to liberate the country from poor governance,” he said, describing the President’s actions as signs of a frustrated leader.

He also called on Ruto to stop branding the people of Mt Kenya as tribalists.