Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein speaking in Modogashe
town /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein has urged Northeastern residents to back President William Ruto’s reelection, saying a united vote would boost the region’s influence and development.
The ODM
legislator said the region's voting patterns in previous elections, including
the 2022 general election, have often been fragmented, resulting in diminished
political influence at the national level.
Hussein was speaking at a function in Modogashe town.
According to the MP, Northeastern residents have rarely voted overwhelmingly for a single presidential candidate, a trend he noted has historically worked against the region whenever key national decisions and development priorities are negotiated.
He urged eligible voters to register in large numbers and challenged those who have not acquired voter registration cards to do so ahead of future elections.
Hussein said supporting President Ruto would be a good gesture of appreciation for what he described as the significant development initiatives and recognition the head of state has extended to the region.
“During Madaraka Day celebrations, we saw His Excellency the President come out boldly and, on behalf of the nation, apologise to the people of northern Kenya for the marginalisation they have endured over the years.
“These were powerful words that mean a lot to the people of Northeastern and even our brothers and sisters at the Coast, who have also experienced similar challenges.”
The legislator described the President's apology as sincere and historic, urging residents not to take it lightly.
“Let us not take that apology lightly because it truly came from the President's heart. In return, let us register in large numbers as voters, put aside political and clan differences and rally behind him so that he can secure a second term and continue developing our region and the country at large,” he added.
Hussein said that the effects of decades of neglect and marginalisation had been devastating, leaving the region lagging behind in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
However, he said President Ruto had demonstrated a commitment to correcting historical injustices through targeted development projects and increased government attention to the region's needs.
He also dismissed the opposition’s brand of politics, noting that the residents cannot gamble with their votes by voting for an opposition candidate.
“For a long time, this region was treated as if it were not part of Kenya. That is a narrative we are determined to change. That is why I am here launching development projects to demonstrate our commitment,” the President said.
Ruto further acknowledged that Northeastern had for many years been excluded from the country's mainstream development agenda, but assured residents that his administration was determined to reverse that trend.
“Under my government, no community will feel marginalised. We are accelerating development projects across the country because every Kenyan deserves equal opportunities regardless of where they live,” he said.
The head of state emphasised that communities that have historically lagged behind in infrastructure and public investment would receive focused government support aimed at unlocking their economic potential and improving livelihoods.
“People have branded this region with names, including remote and marginalised. But I am determined to remove all that marginalisation and remoteness so that we develop this part of the country,” he said.
Ruto reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in the national development agenda.
His remarks come days after President Ruto visited Northastern and pledged to end decades of marginalisation that have hindered the region's progress.
“As ODM we are in broad-based government and there to stay.We will continue partnering with the government even after the election. The few disgruntled members should not be mistaken to be speaking for the party.”
Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein speaking in Modogashe town /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
