Maraga Launches People’s “Ballot Revolution” to Register 5 Million New Voters

Nairobi, Kenya — September 23, 2025

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has unveiled a bold campaign called People’s #BallotRevolution, aiming to add 5 million eligible Kenyans to the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections. The drive will begin in Mombasa (County 001) on September 24, 2025, before scaling to all 47 counties and the diaspora. 

The Latest

• Maraga made the announcement via his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:

  “We are pleased to launch the people’s #BallotRevolution campaign … The launch starts in County 001 (Mombasa) on 24 September. We shall traverse all 47 Counties plus the Diaspora!” 

• The campaign is tied to Maraga’s increasing political visibility—he is widely seen as an aspiring presidential candidate, and this move is interpreted by observers as both civic and political. 

• In parallel, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide on September 29, 2025, under the mandate of Article 88(4) of the Kenyan Constitution. 

Context & Motivation

• Maraga has previously criticised IEBC for suspending continuous registration since 2022, alleging that the pause disenfranchised many young Kenyans. 

• The Constitution mandates that IEBC must continuously register eligible voters; however, logistical, financial, or administrative hurdles often constrain the commission’s capacity to do so consistently.

• By positioning this as a “people’s” initiative, Maraga aims to pressure institutions while engaging grassroots networks — a dual civic and political strategy.

Risks, Implications & Questions

Risks & Challenges

• Credibility & compliance: The drive may face scrutiny around coordination with IEBC, avoiding double registration, and data security.

• Perceived politicisation: Critics might argue this is a campaign tactic rather than a purely civic initiative.

• Logistics & reach: Mobilising across all counties and diaspora requires significant logistical resources, coordination, and funding.

Potential Implications

• A successful registration push could significantly expand the voter base, especially among youth, and shift the political landscape in 2027.

• The campaign could increase pressure on IEBC to remain transparent and responsive in voter registration and electoral preparations.

• Political actors might adjust strategies (alliances, targeting, messaging) to appeal to new registrants.

Open Questions

• How will Maraga’s team ensure coordination with IEBC and avoid conflicting registrations?

• What funding, staffing, and operational infrastructure supports the campaign?

• Will the campaign be sustained beyond the launch and maintain momentum across counties and diaspora?

• How will other political actors respond — will they launch competing registration drives?

What’s Next & What to Watch

• September 24, 2025: Launch in Mombasa, including public events and voter drives. 

• September 29, 2025: IEBC resumes Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationally. 

• October–December 2025: Expansion of the campaign across counties and diaspora, alignment or friction with IEBC operations.

• 2026: Monitoring of registration numbers, demographic breakdown (youth, diaspora, marginalized areas) to assess impact.