US ambassador boards Kariobangi matatu in unusual visit – PHOTOS
US ambassador Robert Godec on Wednesday went full throttle in the hunt for eligible Kenyans to register as voters, as he reiterated America will not back any presidential candidate in the General Election.
Mr Godec, in an unusual visit at the Kariobangi South estate in Nairobi where he rode a matatu with over 20 youth, met with Kenyans and rallied them behind what he said was being engaged in the country’s democratic process.
“Apathy is not the answer,” Mr Godec said in reference to the fact that only 2.1 million Kenyans have registered, 21 days into a one-month voter registration that targeted 6.1 million.
He added: “The answer is to register, and get out there and vote but also get yourself engaged in the process. Participating in the process is what makes a democracy.”
Later, while addressing journalists next to a fruits stall, he said the US government does not support any presidential candidate but will pump in Sh3 billion to support civic education, and a free, fair and credible election.
Mr Godec said: “Only Kenyans will make a decision on who will be their leader…We, however, do support and encourage voter participation.”
The envoy was in Kariobangi South to not only encourage Kenyans to register as voters, but also to get a feel of the life of a youth in the area.
