The Suba Council of Elders in Migori, led by their Chairperson, Mzee Japheth Riogi Riogi, have called on chiefs and other leaders to conduct sensitisation campaigns to enlighten youth on the importance of acquiring the National Identification Card (ID) and voter registration.
Speaking over the weekend at a local hotel where they received New Year gifts from the Migori County administration, the elders urged young people to prepare adequately and actively participate in the electoral process by voting for leaders of integrity.
Riogi called upon Gen Z to maintain the unity and togetherness they showed during the Finance Bill protests in June 2024 and lobby support online for all youth to acquire IDs and register as voters.
“Youth are more than 75 per cent of the country’s population, and it’s only by your unity that a meaningful and impactful change can be realised,” he asserted.
The Suba elders Chairperson also disclosed that they will continue supporting the government of the day, both at the county and the national level, to ensure political pledges are fulfilled.
He further appealed for unity and cohesion, particularly among the political class, which he accused of often orchestrating violence through hired goons during the electioneering period.
Riogi also thanked Migori County, led by Governor Ochilo Ayacko, for recognising the Suba during the 2025 December Piny Luo festival.
He said that the wisdom portrayed by Governor Ochilo to allow other communities living within Migori to showcase their talents, traditions and cultures to the rest of the country demonstrated inclusivity.
Migori is a multi-ethnic county with more than five communities, including the majority Luo and Kuria, as well as other communities like Luhya-Maragolis, Somalis, Subas, the Nubi and Abagusi, forming a rich inter-community blend living alongside each other.
The elder also said that the Suba community, along with other minority groups in the county, will continue to push the National Assembly (NA) to implement the Ethnic Minority and Marginalised Communities Draft Bill, 2025.
The draft Bill, an Act of Parliament, will give effect to Articles 7, 11,27,44, 56 and 232 of the constitution; provide a framework for the recognition, inclusion and participation of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities in national dialogue; and promote equality, cohesion and respect for Kenya’s cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as for connected purposes.
Even though Riogi applauded the efforts done by the county to integrate these marginalised groups, he called for more efforts to be done both at the county and the national levels to achieve inclusivity among its people to create harmony, peace and love.
By Makokha Khaoya
