Garissa Women representative Udgood Siyaad has called on political leaders and Kenyans across the country to exercise political tolerance and allow everyone to campaign or support their preferred candidates without hatred or violence.
Udgoon reiterated that the days of political name calling, personal attacks and hatred were gone and urged all Kenyans to respect one another, noting that the country and the communities would still be here at the end of the electioneering period.
The women representative’s utterances come at a time when the country is experiencing a rise of political goonism especially during the opposition political gatherings, which have led to loss of life, property and injuries.
Speaking in Garissa town where she handed over motorbikes, sewing machines, salon and beauty equipment worth Sh22 million to youth and women to start businesses under the National Government Affirmative Action (NGAAF), Udgoon urged Kenyans and the political class not to throw the country to the dogs because of a passing electioneering period.
“Do not abuse people, because everyone has their supporters, and the citizens have their preferred candidates. We must exercise political tolerance. We will all campaign and lobby but let everyone support whoever they want,” Udgoon said.
“Personal attacks, fights and hatred are outdated. We are a civilized community and all Kenyans are civilized. Let everyone register as a voter and choose their candidates in the coming elections peacefully because politics will come to an end after the elections but our brotherhood, and communities will continue,” she added.
At the same time, the first-time women representative drummed support for president William Ruto’s re-election bid, noting that as the communities in the North eastern region, they had agreed to compete for all other seats but unite in supporting the President.
By Erick Kyalo
