Nominated MP Umulkheir Declares Bid for Garissa Woman Rep Seat
She emphasized that her goal is to serve, not to gain wealth through politics—a message she has championed throughout her time in public service.
Community elders in Garissa speak to the media at a hotel in Garissa, Kenya, Saturday, June 29, 2025. Photo: Eastleigh Voice.
By Juliet Jerotich
Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has formally announced her intention to vie for the Garissa County Woman Representative seat, stating that her ambition is rooted in service and a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people she hopes to represent.
While addressing residents in Garissa town after submitting her nomination to the Samawadhal Council of Elders, Umulkheir said her candidacy is guided by her deep passion for leadership and her consistent efforts in advocating for the needs of her constituents.
She emphasized that her goal is to serve, not to gain wealth through politics—a message she has championed throughout her time in public service.
“I have an entire lifetime to build wealth, but I will not use politics for personal gain. Other than my salary, I will not take a single cent. That is my solemn pledge,” she said.
The youthful legislator, known for speaking out on issues affecting the North Eastern region, criticized the growing culture of expensive campaigns, where elected leaders prioritize recovering campaign costs over service delivery.
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve normalized the idea of electing leaders who spend millions during campaigns. Once they’re in office, their first priority becomes recouping those funds. If a candidate spends Ksh 40 million to get elected, they’ll spend their first year trying to recover that money,” she remarked.
To avoid falling into that trap, Umulkheir said she will introduce a paybill number, allowing well-wishers to voluntarily contribute to her campaign—a move she believes will encourage accountability and public trust.
She also highlighted her clean record in Parliament, stating that she has never used her position to secure contracts or favors for personal gain.
“My salary is Ksh 700,000. I’ve never gone after tenders, even though I had the influence to ask. I’ve stayed true to my values. I was given a chance to be the voice of Kenya’s youth, and I wanted to honor that responsibility,” she said.
Umulkheir addressed the complex clan-based politics of the region, urging residents to evaluate her based on leadership and experience, not her background, age, or marital ties.
“My appeal is simple—support my vision and help promote my candidacy. Don’t judge me by where I got married or my lineage. Judge me by my capability to represent your interests,” she stated.
She also reaffirmed her stance against the rising number of abductions in the region and commended President William Ruto for scrapping the vetting process for obtaining national IDs—a policy she has openly opposed in Parliament and beyond.
Garissa County Executive for Youth and Gender, Hawa Sahal, threw her support behind Umulkheir, describing her as a beacon of hope and an inspiring leader.
“Umi’s energy and commitment to empowering women and young people is commendable. Her leadership has already made a difference, and I believe she can do even more with a greater mandate,” she said.
Umulkheir is a graduate of Alliance Girls High School and holds a degree in computer science. In 2015, she founded Kesho Alliance, a non-governmental organization focused on expanding education opportunities for girls from pastoralist communities and uplifting youth and women across the region.
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