Garissa: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Garissa have been encouraged to vie for elective positions in the upcoming General Election. This initiative, led by local leaders, emphasizes that PWDs possess the same qualifications as any other Kenyan to assume leadership roles.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call was highlighted during a sensitization forum organized by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). The event brought together PWDs and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials from the county to discuss inclusive participation in political and electoral processes.
Ifrah Issa, ORPP North Eastern Regional Coordinator, noted after the session that this engagement is part of the registrar’s ongoing commitment to ensuring inclusivity in political participation across diverse groups in the country. She remarked, “We have had these engagements with different stakeholders since Monday. We have spoken to county officials of political parties, women, youth, and today we had a forum with people living with disabilities here in Garissa. This is in line with ORPP’s commitment to democracy and inclusive participation in political and electoral processes.”
Issa elaborated that discussions centered on how PWDs can actively engage in politics. This includes understanding provisions such as the two-thirds gender rule and affirmative action measures supporting PWD participation in political party funding and leadership structures.
Abdi Yunis Mohamed, IEBC senior elections officer in Garissa, urged PWDs to contest for elective positions, emphasizing that they are eligible for all six elective posts in the country. He stated, “We have sensitized them on matters elections, how they can participate, and we assured them that they are just like any other person. They can take part in any elective post and should not be left behind. We also shared information on nomination fees for all elective positions so they are free to make informed choices.”
Despite these efforts, Garissa PWDs Chairperson Adan Bille raised concerns about financial constraints being a significant barrier for PWDs wishing to run campaigns. He noted, “Some of us want to vie for various seats, but mostly PWDs lack the financial muscle to run campaigns because nowadays politics is all about money. If you don’t have money, political campaigns become a challenge.”
Bille also expressed concerns about fairness in party nomination processes, urging political parties to ensure transparency. He advocated for the nomination of individuals based on loyalty and competence rather than favoritism, saying, “There is politics also in the nomination process. We want political parties to nominate people who are qualified and who have been loyal to the party for many years, not just those who join now and immediately get nomination slots.”
