By Ahmed Salat Ali | AARAN TV KE Political Affairs
WAJIR — As the country steadily moves toward the 2027 General Election, a growing push for civic awareness and voter participation is taking shape in Wajir County. In a landmark public engagement forum, Nominated Member of the County Assembly and aspiring Wajir Woman Representative Feiza Ahmed Sheikh convened residents, youth leaders, civil society actors and community representatives to deliberate on voter registration, electoral participation and leadership accountability.
The civic forum, organized through the Feiza Ahmed Sheikh Foundation, sought to educate residents on the importance of registering as voters and participating actively in the democratic process.
The initiative, described by participants as the first of its kind in the county, aimed at bridging the gap between citizens and the electoral process while addressing growing voter apathy.
The foundation, which focuses on community development, environmental conservation and ICT and computer literacy, has been spearheading grassroots empowerment initiatives across the county under its slogan, “Bridging Gaps, Changing Lives.”
Speaking during the engagement, Feiza Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the need for residents to reclaim their democratic rights through voter registration and informed participation in elections.
“We must not allow the politics of money to dictate our choices. Every citizen has the right and responsibility to vote for leaders who demonstrate integrity and commitment to public service,” she said.
She urged residents across Wajir County to register in large numbers as the voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues, noting that elections remain the most effective platform for citizens to influence leadership and development.
The lively forum attracted a wide spectrum of participants including Youth leaders, women groups, journalists, activists and community elders. Discussions largely focused on voter apathy, leadership accountability and the performance of elected leaders since the introduction of devolution in 2013.
Minority communities raise concerns
Chairman of Minority Communities in Wajir, Abdikarim Haji, expressed frustration over what he described as the continued marginalization of minority groups in the county’s political leadership.
“In reality, minority communities in Wajir have not been given the recognition they deserve. During elections we vote, but after that nobody seems to care about our interests,” he said.
Haji called on minority communities to unite and register as voters in large numbers to strengthen their political voice.
“This time we must organize ourselves and participate actively. We should elect leaders who genuinely represent our interests,” he added.
He also raised concerns about economic hardship and alleged corruption in the county, saying residents are struggling despite paying taxes.
“Life is becoming harder in Wajir. Money is not circulating and there is little to show for the taxes residents pay. We must demand accountability from those entrusted with public resources,” he said.
Residents call for informed voting
Participants at the forum emphasized the importance of informed decision-making during elections.
Halima Farah, a local voter, admitted that she had previously considered boycotting elections due to frustrations with leadership performance but had since reconsidered her position.
“I used to say I would not vote again, but I have changed my mind. If we want change, we must vote wisely and support leaders who can bring meaningful transformation,” she said.
Nabad Doon Hamud also highlighted the increasing voter apathy among young people, noting that many members of Generation Z have lost faith in elections.
“Some young people ask why they should vote when they feel nothing changes. That perception paints a worrying picture about the future of our democracy,” He said.
However, she encouraged residents to remain hopeful and participate in the electoral process.
“We must continue to register and vote. Political transformation will only happen if citizens participate,” He added.
Youth leaders discourage tribal politics
Youth representatives at the forum urged residents to move away from clan-based politics and focus instead on leadership quality.
Abdifatah Hussein, chairman of the Soko Mjinga Youth group, called on voters to evaluate candidates based on their manifestos and performance records.
“We should not elect leaders based on tribe or region. Leadership should be about ideas, integrity and the ability to serve the people,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Emanuel Mutia, chairman of the local boda boda association, welcomed the civic engagement initiative and pledged to mobilize youth to participate in voter registration.
“On the ground, people want leaders who represent their interests. Money should not determine who becomes a leader. We must elect people who will improve our future,” Mutia said.
Civil society pushes for accountability
Civil society Activist Fatuma Yussuf criticized what she termed as an integrity gap in Wajir’s leadership, calling on residents to reject corruption and clan-based politics.
“Negotiated democracy and money politics have undermined development in our county. Once voters accept money, accountability is lost,” she said.
She pointed to basic infrastructure challenges in Wajir, including the lack of public sanitation facilities, as evidence that more accountable leadership is needed.
“It is unfortunate that a county capital like Wajir still lacks basic amenities such as public toilets. That is why voters must demand better leadership,” she said.
Debate on women representative role
The forum also examined the effectiveness of the Woman Representative position since its introduction under the 2010 Constitution.
Some residents questioned whether the office has adequately addressed community needs, while others said the role remains critical in advancing women’s empowerment and social programs.
Community leader Hussein Shurie acknowledged that the position has played a role in supporting social initiatives, including drought mitigation efforts.
“The Woman Representative position has helped address certain community challenges, especially social services during difficult periods such as drought,” he said.
However, he emphasized that future leaders must remain accountable to the people.
Call for issue-based politics
Township Ward MCA aspirant Jibril Mohamed urged voters to evaluate leaders based on performance and to reject those who fail to deliver on their promises.
“If leaders do not perform, the ballot box gives citizens the power to vote them out,” he said.
Mohamed noted that devolution has brought visible development in parts of the county but acknowledged that more still needs to be done.
“There has been progress since devolution began, but there are still gaps that must be addressed,” he said.
Community mobilization for voter registration
Other speakers, including community mobilizer Mohamed Ali, welcomed the civic forum and called for more grassroots engagements to educate residents on electoral participation.
“These discussions help people understand the importance of voting and how their voices shape leadership,” he said.
Participants also stressed the importance of engaging pastoralist communities, who often feel neglected during times of crisis and therefore lose interest in electoral participation.
Community elders urged leaders and civic groups to intensify outreach programs targeting remote areas to ensure that pastoralists are registered and represented in future elections.
Key issues discussed
During the forum, participants debated several critical questions surrounding voter participation and leadership accountability.
Among the key issues raised were whether citizens should continue voting despite dissatisfaction with leadership, how voters can make informed choices at the ballot box, and whether elections can genuinely bring change.
Other discussions examined the role and impact of the Woman Representative position, as well as the increasing political disengagement among young voters.
Participants agreed that while frustrations with leadership remain widespread, abandoning the electoral process would only weaken citizens’ influence over governance.
“Your vote is your right”
The forum concluded with a collective call for residents to register as voters and actively participate in shaping the county’s political future.
Participants urged citizens to reject clan-based politics, corruption and vote-buying, emphasizing that responsible voting is essential for development and accountability.
As the voter registration exercise by the IEBC continues, residents were reminded that their participation in elections remains the most powerful tool for securing responsive and accountable leadership.
“Your vote is your right,” speakers repeatedly emphasized throughout the
forum — a message organizers hope will resonate across Wajir County as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
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