ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun with members from the Association
of Retired Police Officers./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa residents have been urged to sign the voter register in large numbers as the IEBC announced continuous listing will resume on September 29.
ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun yesterday urged eligible residents of Garissa to sign up and vote after she announced her interest in the Garissa Woman Representative seat.
The electoral commission announced the registration last week.
She urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to prioritise adequate staff and mobile registration units countywide, especially where pastoralist communities are on the move with their livestock.
She spoke in Garissa town after getting the endorsement of the National Association of Retired Police Officers from Garissa.
“This is an important moment for all of us. I urge each and every eligible resident—especially our youth, women, and first-time voters—to seize this opportunity and register as voters,” Harun said.
“Your vote is your voice and your power to shape the future of our county and our country. It is the only tool you can use to vote for the President and me,” the ODM MP said.
The region has, over the years, been characterised by voter apathy. Lack of ID cards has always been the biggest stumbling block, as many eligible voters are unable to register due to lack of the crucial document.
President William Ruto, however, signed a decree scrapping the vetting requirement that had long hindered residents of the Northeastern from obtaining IDs. He signed it on February 4 during a working visit to Wajir.
Harun urged residents without IDs to seize the opportunity created by the President's directive and apply.
Vetting has been arduous, and many say unfair, because of the region’s proximity to Somalia, where al-Shabaab terrorists are based and to terrorist bases in Lamu’s Boni Forest.
She thanked the retired police, saying their support was very important.
“I want to appeal to you, elders, the same way you have decided
to support me, let us also show the same support to President Ruto because he
has done a lot for us as a region since he assumed office,” Harun said.
“Initially, our people had issues acquiring ID cards, but that is now sorted. We also had problems getting passports. But that too has been sorted. All these were human rights issues that I have personally been vocal about.”
She urged Health CS Aden Duale, a Garissa native, not to relent in streamlining the sector and not to be distracted by those opposed to reforms.
“In every case of chaos, there are people who benefit,” the MP said.
“Those are the individuals who benefited from the dysfunctional NHIF and are trying to fight back and stop this beautiful replacement Social Health Authority (SHA) programme from going ahead. Residents should continue registering for SHA because this will help them.”
Chairman Daud Mohamed of the National Association of Retired Police Officers said their support for Harun is firmly grounded in her proven commitment to service, integrity and community empowerment.
“Umulkheir represents a new generation of leadership—young, educated, visionary and deeply connected to the realities and needs of our people,” Mohamed said.
“We have every reason to support her.”
Retired police officer Osman Bare said over the years, Harun has demonstrated tireless efforts in empowering women, uplifting youth and advocating for persons with disabilities countrywide.
“Her initiatives on the ground are evident,” Osman said.
“She has consistently
demonstrated that she not only understands the challenges facing our people but
also works actively to address them. This shows that if she is given a chance
by the people of Garissa, she can do a lot.”
In June, the MP presented her application to the Samawadhal Council of Elders, which represents her clan.
