Kilifi United Democratic Alliance (UDA) youth led by Eliud Kalama, Sammy Ndago and Namja Mangi lead an empowerment programme for boda boda operators in Sokoni ward, Kilifi County on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 where they also rallied youth to register as voters. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
Youth leaders allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance in Kilifi County have intensified calls for young people to register as voters and support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme held in Kilifi Town, the youth leaders, Eliud Kalama and Sammy Ndago, noted that a large number of young people, particularly boda boda riders, had not yet registered as voters despite their growing influence in national politics.
Kalama, who played a key role in the formation of the Sokoni Ward Boda Boda SACCO, said the youth vote would be decisive in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections. He urged young people to take advantage of voter registration exercises and mobilise fellow youths to seek elective positions for effective representation in government.
“We are now in the broad-based government and it is time for the youth to support this administration so that we can fully benefit from government programmes and opportunities,” said Kalama.
Ndago, on his part, said the era of politicians using young people for political gain without involving them in leadership and decision-making should come to an end.
“As the youth, we must identify leaders from among ourselves and support them to vie for elective seats because we cannot continue remaining outside where critical decisions affecting us are made. Let us register as voters in large numbers and prove our worth in 2027,” he said.
The two youthful leaders further pledged to continue empowering young people, especially those working in the informal sector, through economic and social initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and enhancing productivity in society.
