Nominated MP Mucheke to run for North Imenti seat

Nominated MP Halima Mucheke has said she will contest the

North Imenti parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket.

She said she will capture the seat from the incumbent Rahim Dawood.

Mucheke spoke on Monday during a press conference at UDA offices in Meru. 

The legislator said Dawood has been clinching the seat due to hand outs.

“I urge residents to eat the tokens. However, when it comes to voting let them vote for a leader who will help them, not people who have their own interests,” she said.

The MP said some of the areas that did not vote for Dawood are neglected.

“Many residents of Nyaki East ward urged me to vie after they complained of being neglected in terms of development,” Mucheke said.

She said she will work for all residents of North Imenti if she clinches the seat in August.

The legislator said as a woman it is a challenge to vie for a seat especially in Meru.

“However I will stand firm and go up to the ballot. I am sure I will win. I urge other women not to give up, we must change our society's perception,” she said.

Mucheke said there are women like Martha Karua who have shown they can deliver in terms of development.

“I visited Gichugu where Karua was an MP. Years later some of the developments she initiated are still tangible,” she said.

The legislator said she will engage the public in development plans and address areas as per their needs.

She also said if elected, she will prioritise water harvesting.

Mucheke says she has already tabled a motion in parliament compelling each household to have a tank to harvest rain water.

The aspirant has worked in provincial administration where she was a District Officer and an assistant secretary. She has also worked in the Meru government as a subcounty administrator.

“The experience I have working in government and as a nominated MP will help me deliver,” she said.

Mucheke said in 2013 former minister and former North Imenti MP David Mwiraria wanted her to vie as an MP.

“He had promised to support me and give me all the resources but I felt I was not ready to vie. I now feel ready,” she said.

In 2013, Mucheke unsuccessfully vied for Women Representative.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)