Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad has urged politicians and their supporters to embrace political tolerance.
The MP said politicians should shun personal attacks, confrontation and rhetoric that could trigger violence as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Siyad, who is seeking to defend her seat, said political competition should be anchored on ideas, development records and manifestos rather than insults, personal attacks and physical confrontations.
She spoke in Garissa town during the distribution of empowerment equipment to residents, including sewing machines, salon equipment, motorcycles and a chips-making machine.
The legislator urged politicians across the political divide to allow voters to freely make their choices without intimidation or hostility.
“Enough of the politics of character assassination and insults. Let us stop personal attacks, fighting and things that will cause bloodshed. As politicians, let us sell our manifestos to the electorate and let them decide the person they want to vote for,” she said.
Siyad said the era of politics driven by personal attacks and physical confrontations was outdated, arguing that candidates should instead explain what they have achieved and what they intend to do if elected.
“I will personally sell my agenda to the people and tell them what I have done and what I intend to do if re-elected. If you are impressed with me, go ahead and vote for me. If not, vote for the person of your choice,” she said.
Siyad said political competition should remain peaceful, issue-based and respectful, with voters retaining the final say at the ballot.
She cautioned against allowing political differences to destroy relationships within the community, stressing that elections are temporary while bonds among Kenyans endure beyond the campaign period.
“We are a civilised community, and anyone who wants to do things to the contrary should know that such politics is outdated. Kenyans have no time for such politics,” she said.
“Let us embrace political tolerance. At the end of the day, politics will come and go, but we will remain brothers and sisters. We are Kenyans, and nothing will change that. Let us not destroy our country because of political intolerance.”
The incumbent also used the occasion to highlight her empowerment initiatives, saying the distribution of tools and machinery was part of her efforts to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for residents to earn a living.
She said politics should ultimately be about improving the lives of ordinary citizens rather than creating divisions that persist long after elections.
Siyad, however, made clear where she stands in the presidential contest, declaring her support for President William Ruto’s bid for a second term and saying she would personally campaign for his re-election.
She expressed confidence that the region would overwhelmingly back Ruto in the 2027 presidential contest, even as local politicians compete against one another for various elective positions.
“As a region, we might have our differences, where we will square it out. But we will have agreed in one accord that when it comes to the President, we will 100 per cent campaign for him and ensure that he is re-elected,” she said.
Siyad said the region had benefited from what she described as more direct engagement with the national government under Ruto’s administration, particularly in infrastructure, government presence and national recognition.
“We have every reason to support him because, in all honesty, he is the first President since independence who has had direct engagement with our people,” she said.
She argued that Ruto’s administration had placed greater emphasis on infrastructure development, the expansion of government services and greater national recognition of northern Kenya, a region she said had historically suffered marginalisation.
Her comments come as the contest for the Garissa Woman Representative seat begins to take shape, with several candidates expressing interest in the position.
Those in the race include ODM-nominated MP Umulkeheir Harun, former Woman Representative Shukran Gure, Mulki Warsame, Faiza Sadik and Kiman Ugaas.
Siyad said voters should be free to make their choice based on the candidates’ records and promises.
