Eldas MP Adan Keynan has praised Northeastern residents for
actively participating in the ongoing voter registration, saying the
region is setting an example for the rest of the country.
New data released by the Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission shows Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties have collectively
registered 561 new voters, surpassing the entire Western bloc, which
recorded 489.
“The data released by IEBC is quite encouraging. It shows the
hunger of our people to be recognised, to be counted and to shape the future of
this nation,” he said.
He spoke during a resource mobilisation event in Garissa
Township Constituency in support of small-scale traders affected by the
recent Sug-Mugdi fire.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also attended the event.
Keynan urged IEBC to deploy adequate staff and mobile
registration units across pastoralist areas, saying many residents are often on
the move with their livestock.
He said the region’s voter numbers—201,473 in
Garissa, 207,758 in Wajir and 217,030 in Mandera during the 2022
general election—are expected to rise significantly, now that more residents
can acquire national ID cards without undergoing vetting.
“As a region, we are living in a historic moment thanks to the
government’s decision to scrap the vetting requirement that had long hindered
our people from obtaining IDs,” Keynan, who chairs the Northern Kenya
Parliamentary Group Caucus said.
He urged residents to seize the opportunity, register in large
numbers and use their votes to determine their future.
“The only way the Somali community can show gratitude to
President William Ruto is by registering in big numbers and ensuring his re-election,”
he said. “President Ruto stands out as the only leader who has made our people
truly feel like Kenyan citizens. The development projects speak for
themselves.”
Keynan also dismissed critics questioning development
investments in the Northeastern, saying all Kenyans have equal rights to live
and benefit from government programmes anywhere in the country.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable
development, citing ongoing major projects such as the Sh100 billion
Isiolo–Mandera Highway, affordable housing initiatives, eight new
modern markets and 1,720-bed hostels at Garissa University.
He said the projects underscore the government’s resolve to uplift living standards in the region, insisting no part of the country is more equal than the other.
