A section of aspirants in Isiolo have raised eyebrows over alleged unfairness by the community elders tasked with picking candidates for various elective posts through the popular negotiated democracy.
Former EACC boss Halakhe Waqo, who has already been endorsed for Governorship by his Karayu clan, has stated that he will be on the ballot with or without the blessings of the elders.
Education CAS Mumina Bonaya who is seeking to dethrone Isiolo Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa has also hinted on the possibility of charting a different path over what she says is lack of women involvement in decision making process.
Reports indicate a likelihood that Borana community elders might rule in favour of former Governor Godana Doyo and Ms Jaldesa locking out the two leaders.
The Press Point is reliably informed that several other disgruntled contestants will soon take their community elders head-on over unfairness.
Ms Bonaya has been so categorical that women were not being involved in ongoing clan and community elders meetings.
She feels women must be involved in picking candidates for elective seats preserved for them and should not be an entirely men affair.
Locking women out of the decision making table, critics argue, not only marginalises them but favours their male competitors due to cultural beliefs that present women as weaker sex and therefore ‘cannot lead’.
“We (women) must tell the men that we respect them. They are our elders and have been making decisions for us but going forward, they must involve women,” Ms Bonaya recently said.
