By Betty Luke
The race for Isiolo Woman Representative position has gained momentum as aspirants heighten campaigns to unseat incumbent and vocal Rehema Jaldesa who is serving her first term.
Among the hopefuls who have expressed interest is Education CAS Mumina Bonaya who has started crisscrossing the county and meeting some groups to popularise her bid.
Ms Bonaya hopes to ride on her achievements while working in the Ministry of Education to woo voters to her side and seal victory as she makes her first stab on an elective seat.
The CAS has been conspicous in quite a number of Governor Mohammed Kuti’s meetings and accompanied by MCAs, a clear indication that she will jointly campaign with the veteran politician, who is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ally.
In a clear jab on Ms Jaldesa, the CAS during recent fundraiser in Oldonyiro said she was not happy with the manner in which the Woman Rep’s office was being run and was ready to fix it.
“I have been given CAS work by President Uhuru Kenyatta and I have passionately and diligently worked towards improved services,” she said while taking pride in what she said was improved education standards across the country and especially in Isiolo.
“Am I not beautiful and equal to task?” she posed while promising to use her vast knowledge to improve the lives of residents if elected to the office.
Ms Bonaya said she will when the right time comes, go to the people and talk to them in respectable manner and seek their support.
“All those eyeing for several seats should exercise decorum and shun dividing residents as unity is paramount,” she insisted.
Other leaders who were at the meeting included MCAs Yarrow Hassan (Burat) and Ekwam Teru of Ngaremara, Water Executive Josephine Eregai and former Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal among others.
Residents say development track record, alignments and clanism will majorly influence who becomes the next Isiolo County MP considering Ms Bonaya and Ms Jaldesa come from Borana community with whoever likely to get elders endorsement to have an edge over the other.
National Land Commission (NLC) Commissioner and former Woman Rep Tiya Galgalo is also reported to have interest in the seat though she has not declared the intent.
Ms Jaldesa, allied to Deputy President William Ruto, has endeared herself to residents through her support and empowerment to youth and women groups and banks on her development track for her re-election.
Civil servants who intend to seek elective seats in 2022 general election have until February 8 next year to resign from their positions.
