The Wailwana community in Tana River county has endorsed Woman Representative Rehema Hassan for Bura MP in next year's polls.
Community elders said the creation of the Woman Rep position in the Constitution has given women a chance to prove they can also lead and deliver just like their male counterparts.
This is the first time a woman is being endorsed for a different elective political position aside from the Woman's Rep seat.
Community’s king Ramadhan Divayu said they unanimously agreed to support and back Rehema after a series of consultations.
“On behalf of the Wailwana Council of Elders and the entire community, we are here to announce to you that we have proposed this lady as our candidate for Bura constituency MP seat in 2022. I beg and ask the electorate to kindly support her and I am sure she will deliver,” he said.
Divayu spoke at a Garissa hotel after a meeting which brought together elders, women and the youth from the community.
“The Constitution states that we have to support the women and the youth. The Wailwana community is now at the forefront,” he said.
Asked why the community endorsed her, Divayu said apart from the Constitution encouraging the election of women and youth, Rehema had performed to the expectation of residents in her current position and proved she is a good leader.
Rehema thanked the elders for expressing confidence in her, adding that it is not easy for elders in the region to support women in political positions.
“It is not always easy, especially when competing with men, but I am confident that with this opportunity I shall win,” she said.
“I challenge my opponents to support me and acknowledge that I have delivered in my current position as the Tana River Woman Representative.”
Elders in the Coast and Northeastern regions play a major role in politics through negotiated democracy and the aspirants endorsed have higher chances of clinching the seats.
Edited by A.N
