By Betty Luke
Isiolo North MP aspirant Osman Shariff Abukar has launched his five-point manifesto becoming first to do so in a list of more than 10 contestants.
Speaking during the launch of his manifesto in Isiolo town, Mr Shariff said better security, education and inclusivity will be top of his agenda if elected in the August polls.
Mr Shariff who hails from the little known Asharaff sub-clan of the Somali community lamented increasing cases of banditry attacks that have claimed dozens of lives, maimed several and resulted to loss of livestock and properties in the recent past.
He promised to prioritize on deployment of more officers and activation of grazing committees that he said his office will strengthen to avert the attacks.
“I am committed to ensuring our people live peacefully and go on with their activities uninterrupted and without fear of possible attacks, loss of lives or properties,” he said.
The aspirant said it was unfortunate that learners from needy backgrounds were dropping out of school for lack of fees and assured that he will ensure fair distribution of bursaries with focus mainly on the neediest cases.
“It pains me seeing learners from needy backgrounds dropping out of school for lack of fees. I will ensure those from the poor backgrounds can comfortably get education and transit to the highest level,” he maintained.
The MP hopeful also promised to introduce and lobby for empowerment programs targeting youth, women and special groups.
“I will besides the local employment (at my office), lobby for job opportunities for our people to help them beat poverty,” he noted.
He said empowering youths, women and other vulnerable groups will have a huge impact on the county’s economy.
Mr Shariff is battling for the seat together with current MP Hassan Odha, his predecessor Joseph Samal, Mwenda Thuranira (PNU), Abdilatif Boru, Lucy Mworia, Abshiro Halakhe and Fatuma Ali among other contestants.
