Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad speaking.

Voters in Garissa have been asked scrutinise the development records, public service commitment and leadership credentials of those seeking elective positions in the 2027 general election.

The call came from Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad who urged the electorate not to be swayed by political rhetoric and unfulfilled campaign promises.

She said voters should judge leaders by what they achieved while in office, their commitment to improving people's livelihoods and their ability to address challenges facing communities rather than being carried away by political pronouncements.

The lawmaker spoke at a Garissa hotel after receiving the 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.

She said the electorate should take time to examine the performance of those seeking to represent them, arguing that leadership should be measured by tangible achievements rather than political rhetoric.

"Let the people look at what you have done, what you have delivered and how committed you have been to serving them. Leadership is not about making promises during campaigns; it is about demonstrating what you have achieved and what you can do to improve the lives of the people," she said.

The MP expressed confidence in defending her seat saying her development record, grassroots engagements and commitment to serving residents will give her some advantage over competitors.

"I am confident because I know the work we have done, the people we have reached and the lives we have touched," she said.

She cited the empowerment of women, young people and persons with disabilities (PWDs) as some of the key areas her office had prioritised, saying the programmes were designed to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for vulnerable groups.

She said her office had pursued an inclusive development approach to ensure residents from different communities benefited from its programmes without discrimination.

The MP said her office had ensured bursary allocations were distributed fairly across the county, insisting that political affiliations, clan backgrounds and personal connections should not determine who benefits from education support.

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.

"My office, despite the meagre resources allocated, has always worked hard to ensure that bursaries reach all parts of Garissa county. We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to access education, regardless of where they come from," she said.

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.

She 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.

"Let everyone go to the people and sell their agenda. Tell the electorate what you intend to do for them and what you have achieved. We should not waste time insulting one another or engaging in unnecessary political fights," she said.

She described personal attacks as outdated, arguing that residents deserve leaders who cand engage in constructive debate and present practical solutions to the challenges facing the county.

"Politics should be about ideas and development, not abusing or pulling down your opponents. That kind of politics is outdated, and our people deserve better," she added.

Udgoon was elected on a Jubilee party ticket in the 2022 general election but is expected to face stiff competition in her reelection bid. ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has declared interest in the position, while former Woman Representative Shukran Gure is also seeking to reclaim the seat.

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.

Udgoon hails from the Reer Kassim sub-clan of the larger Abduwak community, an influential political constituency whose internal cohesion and ability to rally behind a common candidate could have a bearing on the outcome of the race.

With various political players positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, community endorsements and negotiations are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the battle for the Garissa Woman Representative seat.

The endorsement by the Reer Afwax community is expected to add momentum to her re-election campaign as political realignments and community consultations gather pace ahead of the 2027 polls.

Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad receives the endorsement certificate from elders of the Afwax sub clan.

Community members of the Reer Afwax sub-clan of the larger Awliyahan clan during the endorsement ceremony.

Omar Abdi Bule, an elder from the Afwax community speaking.

Abdiqani zeitun, an aspirant for the Lagdera parliamentary seat speaking.