Reject divisive clan politics, MP urges Garissa residents

ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has called on residents of Garissa county to reject divisive clan politics and instead focus on leadership based on service delivery, development and unity ahead of next year's general election.

The legislator, who has declared her interest in the Garissa Woman Representative seat, outlined her vision and work plan for the county and urged residents not to be swayed by tribal and political gimmicks that often dominate election campaigns.

Umulkheir spoke during a public engagement in Kambi Samaki, Lagdera subcounty.

She emphasised the need for voters to evaluate leaders based on their ability to deliver tangible development projects and address the needs of wananchi, rather than their clan affiliations.

“Development, unity and service delivery must remain our focus. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous community,” Umulkheir said.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of Garissa county's long-standing voting patterns, where electoral outcomes have largely been influenced by clan and tribal considerations.

Since the creation of the woman representative position, the seat has alternated between candidates from the Aulihan and Abduwak clans.

In the 2013 general election, former Woman Representative Shukran Gure of the Aulihan clan won the seat.

She was succeeded in 2017 by Anab Gure from the Abduwak community. In 2022, the seat was won by the incumbent Woman Representative, Udgoon Siyad, from the Abduwak clan.

The Samawadhal clan, which is predominantly found in the southern parts of Garissa county in Ijara, has yet to produce a holder of the woman representative seat.

Despite these political realities, Umulkheir maintained the county's future should not be determined by clan arithmetic but by a shared commitment to development and inclusive leadership.

“Our people deserve leaders who can unite communities, champion development and ensure that public resources benefit every resident, regardless of their background,” she told the gathering.

Several residents praised Umulkheir for her unwavering commitment to championing the interests of youth, women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), saying her track record speaks for itself.

Hassan Abdi, a youth leader from Modogashe, said Umulkheir has consistently stood with the youth and amplified their voices at the national level, hence the reason they will support her.

“She has demonstrated that leadership is about service and results. That is why we believe she is best placed to represent the people of Garissa as Woman Representative.”

Amina Mohamed, a women's rights advocate, noted they have seen her dedication to women's empowerment and inclusion.

“She has remained accessible and has used her position to advocate for vulnerable groups. What matters to us is not where one comes from, but what one can deliver for the people,” she said.

Resident Ambia Hussein said the electorate was keen on electing leaders based on performance rather than clan affiliations.

“The politics of voting along clan lines has not served us well in the past. In fact, it has been catastrophic and has denied our people the development they deserve. This time, we are looking for a leader with a proven record of service and delivery and Umulkheir has demonstrated that,” she said.

Political observers note while the woman representative race may not attract the same level of attention and intense competition as gubernatorial or parliamentary contests, clan affiliations continue to play a significant role in influencing voting patterns.

The race is already shaping up to be highly competitive, with several aspirants expressing interest in the seat. They include incumbent Udgoon Siyad, former Woman Representative Shukran Gure, Mulki Warsame, Faiyza Sadik and Umulkheir Harun, among others.

Analysts argue that beyond clan dynamics, the outcome of the contest could ultimately be determined by candidates' ability to appeal to women and young voters, who constitute the largest voting bloc in the county.