Hundreds of students from Chuka University marched to the Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency offices of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), demanding to be registered as voters under the ongoing Tuko Kadi mobilization initiative.
The students, who arrived at the offices as early as 6 am found the premises unattended, leaving them stranded and unable to access registration services despite their early turnout.
Chanting slogans associated with the Tuko Kadi campaign, the students later proceeded to Chuka Police Station, where they were addressed by Tharaka-Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga.
Mr Gitonga explained that IEBC officials were currently undergoing training following recent recruitment, noting that the process is part of preparations to strengthen voter registration services at the constituency and ward levels across the country.
He added that the training is meant to enhance efficiency in delivering continuous voter registration, which is implemented through devolved IEBC structures nationwide.
He further stated that voter registration would resume adding that the exercise remains continuous and will be scaled up as preparations for the next General Election progress.
However, the explanation did not satisfy some of the students, with some walking out during the address, leaving the commissioner to engage their representatives.
Daniel Mugendi said the students had woken up early with the expectation of being registered as voters under the Tuko Kadi drive, only to find the offices closed and no officials available to assist them.
“We woke up early hoping to be registered, but when we arrived the office was closed and there was no one to help us,” he said.
Stanley Otieno expressed concern over what he termed a contradiction between calls for youth registration under initiatives such as Tuko Kadi and the availability of services on the ground.
“Young people are encouraged to register as voters, but when we are ready to do so the IEBC offices are closed. This really demotivates us, especially when we are told there is a target of 15 million voters to be registered,” he said.
Benson Omondi urged fellow youths to remain engaged in civic processes and take advantage of voter registration opportunities once services resume.
“Youths should take responsibility and ensure they register so that their voices can be heard in future elections,” he said.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, calling on university learners and young people across the country to actively participate in shaping national leadership through voter registration.
Amid the tension, the Dean of Students, Francis Gacheru, intervened to calm the situation and urged the students to remain patient while engaging authorities through structured dialogue.
“I thank you for taking this opportunity to be registered as voters. Let us listen to the officials, agree on timelines, and move forward amicably,” said Gacheru, adding that while students have a right to access services, patience and cooperation are necessary when services are temporarily unavailable.
He further emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing service delivery challenges and maintaining order within the university community.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
