Nominated MP Umulkheir declares bid for Garissa Woman Rep seat, vows integrity over wealth

Garissa Woman Rep aspirant and ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun dancing with supporters./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Garissa youth and gender executive Hawa Sahal speaking./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Supporters of  Garissa woman rep aspirant and ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

ODM Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has declared her intention to vie for the Garissa Woman Representative seat, promising to pursue leadership with integrity, not personal gain.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters at a local hotel in Garissa town after presenting her application to the Samawadhal Council of Elders, Umulkheir said she was in politics to serve — not to enrich herself.

“I have my entire life to make money, but I will not do it through politics,” she said.

“Apart from my salary, I will not touch anything else. That, I assure you.”

A vocal advocate for youth, women, and marginaliSed communities from Northern Kenya, the youthful MP criticiSed the widespread culture of money-driven politics, where candidates spend millions on campaigns only to enter office with the goal of recovering their investment.

“If someone campaigns with Sh40 million, they’ll want to recover that money in their first year in office — and that’s the problem,” she said.

To break from that trend, Umulkheir announced she will open a public pay bill to raise campaign funds, allowing supporters to contribute voluntarily.

“This will not only help fund my campaign, but it will also make me accountable to the people — because it’s their money I’ll be using,” she added.

Umulkheir said she has deliberately stayed away from using her office for personal benefit.

“I earn a salary of Sh700,000. I have never chased contracts — even though I make laws and have the power to influence. I chose to stay true to the youth who trusted me,” she said.

“Imagine being sent to Parliament and then using that position to chase tenders instead of serving your people.”

Addressing the region’s often sensitive clan dynamics, she urged voters to evaluate her on her leadership record, not her background.

“Do not judge me by my age, where I’m married, or whose child I am. Judge me by what I bring to the table and my ability to represent your interests,” she said.

On security issues — including the rising cases of abductions in the region — Umulkheir pledged to continue using her platform to speak up and push for accountability.

She also praised President William Ruto for scrapping the controversial ID vetting exercise that had long discriminated against Northeastern residents.

Garissa County Executive for Youth and Gender, Hawa Sahal, voiced her support for Umulkheir’s bid, calling her an inspiration and a proven change-maker.

“In her short time in leadership, Umi has shown what dedication and integrity look like. She’s passionate about transforming lives, and I truly believe she can do even more if elected,” Sahal said.

Umulkheir is an alumna of Alliance Girls High School and holds a degree in Computer Science.

She is also the founder of Kesho Alliance, an NGO she started in 2015 to support education for pastoralist girls and empower youth and women through training and mentorship.

As the 2027 election race gains momentum, Umulkheir’s message is clear: leadership, not profit. And she’s betting on the people to help her get there — and to keep her accountable once she does.