As the country gears up for next year’s general elections, aspirants have started seeking for endorsement from their respective clans.
In North Eastern, clan play an integral role in endorsing aspirants who in most cases win their seats.
And today, the Rer Kassim a sub-clan of the larger Abduwak clan in Garissa county made history for nominating Khatra Iman, a nominated MCA to vie for the senatorial seat.
According to Khatra’s close supporters, the nominated MCA is relying on the BBI validation by Kenyans in the referendum.
Among the recommendations contained in the BBI, women aspirants who garner the most votes at the ballot will be given first priority at county assembly, the national assembly and the senate.
Speaking after the endorsement, Khatra welcomed the trust the elders had bestowed adding that the journey to clinch the seat ‘had just started’.
“I am taking the endorsement for granted. The fact that our respected elders picked me for the high seat shows that women have come of age and can face the male counterparts at the ballot,” Khatra said.
“I want to urge Kenyans across the country to give women the chance to lead. I have been inspired by sister, the Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor after she successfully vied for the seat,” she added.
Sophia made history top become the women from North Eastern region to be endorsed and elected for political seat.
She urged area residents to back the BBI noting that the constitutional changes that will come with will benefit marginalized groups.
Khatra said historically women have been marginalized and their chance in vying and successfully winning lies on the BBI.
Elder Diriye Bundid said they picked on Khatra because of her experience in leadership that so her nominated as an MCA.
“Since she was nominated Khatra has come to strongly defend the right of not only women by programmes meant to better the lives of Garissa residents,” Bundid said.
Bundid said they (elders) will vigorously campaign for the nominated MCA to ensure that she capture the seat noting that they are aware competition especially from her male counterpart will be tough.