ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun has declared her interest in the Garissa Woman Representative seat, saying she will lead with and not use politics to enrich herself.
Speaking in Garissa town after presenting her application to the Samawadhal Council of Elders, Umulkheir said her decision to contest is driven by a desire to serve and make a lasting impact on the lives of those she seeks to represent.
She said that hers was a call to serve the people and be their voice something as she has demonstrated over the years she has been in leadership.
“I have my entire life to make money, and I will not make money in politics. besides my salary I will not stick to anything else. That I can assure you,” she said.
The youthful MP, who has been vocal on issues affecting North Eastern residents, criticized the prevailing political culture where candidates spend millions on campaigns only to recover the funds once elected.
“Unfortunately it has become a norm that we elect leaders who go into office after spending millions of money and the first thing they always want to do is recoup the money. If somebody campaigns with Ksh 40 million and they get into office , they will first want to recover that money within the first year of staying in office,” she stated.
To avoid falling into that trap, Umulkheir said she plans to open a paybill number through which her supporters can voluntarily contribute to her campaign. This, she noted, would not only promote transparency but also strengthen her accountability to voters.
She also took pride in her integrity record, saying she has never used her parliamentary position to seek contracts or personal favours.
“I earn a salary of Ksh 700,000. I’ve never gone after a single contract, even when I have the capacity. I make the laws, I could ask but I stayed true to my values. I was given a chance to represent the youth of this great country, and I didn’t want to let them down,” she said.
Addressing the region’s complex clan dynamics that often shape electoral outcomes, Umulkheir urged voters to support her based on merit and leadership track record, rather than her age, background, or marital ties.
“My plea is that you support my ambition and mobilise for my candidacy. Don’t judge me based on where I’m married or whose child I am. Judge me as a leader who can champion your agendas,” she said.
She also promised to continue using her platform to speak out against rising cases of abduction in the region and commended President William Ruto for scrapping the mandatory vetting for ID issuance, a practice she has consistently opposed both inside and outside Parliament.
Garissa County Executive for Youth and Gender, Hawa Sahal, rallied residents to back Umulkheir’s bid describing her as an inspirational figure with a proven track record in leadership.
“Umi has truly inspired me with her work. Her zeal and dedication to uplift lives, especially of the youth and women, is something to admire. I can only imagine the impact she would have if given a greater mandate,” she said.
Umulkheir, an alumna of Alliance Girls High School and a computer science graduate, is the founder of Kesho Alliance, an NGO she established in 2015.
The organisation has helped improve access to education for pastoralist girls and empowered many youth and women across the region.
