Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad has called on voters in Garissa to scrutinize the development records, public service commitment, and leadership credentials of those seeking elective positions in the 2027 general election. She urged the electorate not to be swayed by political rhetoric and unfulfilled campaign promises. Instead, voters should judge leaders by their achievements while in office, commitment to improving people's livelihoods, and ability to address challenges facing communities.
Udgoon made the remarks at a Garissa hotel after receiving an endorsement from elders, women, and youth drawn from the Reer Afwax sub-clan of the larger Awliyahan clan. She welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a demonstration of the confidence the community had in her leadership and an affirmation of the work her office has undertaken across the county. The endorsement is expected to add momentum to her re-election campaign.
The lawmaker emphasized that leadership should be measured by tangible achievements rather than political rhetoric. She encouraged voters to examine the performance of those seeking to represent them, arguing that leaders should be judged by what they have achieved and what they can do to improve the lives of the people. Udgoon expressed confidence in defending her seat, citing her development record, grassroots engagements, and commitment to serving residents.
Udgoon's office has prioritized the empowerment of women, young people, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), designing programs to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for vulnerable groups. Her office has pursued an inclusive development approach to ensure residents from different communities benefit from its programs without discrimination. She cited fair distribution of bursary allocations across the county as one of her office's achievements.
Udgoon decried limited resources but assured residents of efforts to ensure deserving students from different parts of the county received assistance to pursue their education. She called on politicians seeking elective positions to embrace issue-based campaigns and demonstrate maturity in their political engagements, warning against personal attacks, name-calling, and mudslinging.
The MP challenged her competitors to take their agenda to the electorate and explain what they intend to do for residents instead of spending their time attacking political opponents. She described personal attacks as outdated, arguing that residents deserve leaders who can engage in constructive debate and present practical solutions to the challenges facing the county.
Udgoon is expected to face stiff competition in her reelection bid from ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun and former Woman Representative Shukran Gure. The contest is likely to be influenced by political alliances, clan dynamics, community endorsements, and the ability of individual candidates to consolidate support across the county.
Key points
- Udgoon Siyad urges voters to prioritize candidates' development records and leadership credentials.
- The MP emphasizes the importance of issue-based campaigns and constructive debate.
- Udgoon is expected to face stiff competition in her reelection bid.
