NAIROBI, Kenya — The Office of the Government Spokesperson has come under sharp criticism from Kenyans online after appearing to align itself with the youth-driven “Niko Kadi” voter registration campaign.
In a post published on Saturday, March 21, the official government handle addressed young people directly, asking, “Mayouth Je, MKO KADI?” and urging them to register as voters at Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices or Huduma Centres across the country.
“Visit an IEBC office near you or Huduma Centre and register as a voter,” the statement read.
However, the message triggered a wave of backlash, with many social media users accusing the government of co-opting or trivialising a slogan that has largely been popularised by young Kenyans as a tool for political change ahead of future elections.
A significant number of respondents referenced the 2024 Kenyan Finance Bill protests, during which several young people lost their lives in demonstrations against proposed tax measures.
Critics argued that the same administration now encouraging voter registration had presided over actions that led to the deaths and injuries of protesters.
“They want us to register so we can vote them out,” one user posted, reflecting a widely shared sentiment across platforms.
Others accused the government of attempting to appropriate a grassroots mobilisation slogan while failing to address underlying grievances, including youth unemployment, cost of living pressures, and accountability for protest-related violence.
The “Niko Kadi” (loosely translated as “I have my voter’s card”) slogan has gained traction among young Kenyans recently as part of a broader civic push to increase voter registration and participation, particularly among first-time voters.
The movement is largely decentralised, with activists using social media to mobilise peers and emphasise the power of the ballot.
While the government’s call aligns with constitutional principles under Article 38, which guarantees every citizen the right to vote and participate in free and fair elections, critics argue that credibility and public trust are essential in such campaigns.
