Politics ahead of the 2027 General Election are beginning to gain momentum in Garissa County, with leaders delivering political messages alongside calls for development and better public services.
Groups of women, youth, elderly people and persons living with disabilities from the county’s six constituencies have benefited from various items provided through a government support programme aimed at helping residents improve their livelihoods.
The beneficiaries received 20 motorcycles, 47 sewing machines, hairdressing machines and salon chairs, machines for making snacks, among other equipment intended to help them start or expand income-generating activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyaad urged residents to exercise their democratic right to choose the leaders they want in the 2027 elections.
Siyaad said every political leader has the right to present their policies and seek votes from the public, but insisted that political campaigns should be conducted peacefully and without incitement.
“Every leader has the right to sell their policies and seek votes from the people, but this should be done peacefully without violence or inflammatory statements.”
Siyaad also criticised the county water department, commonly known as GAWASCO, accusing it of failing to ensure residents have access to clean and affordable water.
Garissa has faced water shortages for a long time, with residents complaining about irregular access to the essential service.
Some residents claim that water is supplied only occasionally, prompting concerns over whether they should continue paying for a service they say they do not receive consistently.
During the same event, Siyaad handed over a Sh22,557,757.96 cheque to five women’s groups to support their economic activities.
A total of 1,428 students also benefited from approximately Sh14 million in NGAAF funds to help finance their education through bursaries.
Meanwhile, the Dekaharji Ward Representative urged residents to remain calm and patient as they wait for the government to complete ongoing development projects in the county.
The ward representative also turned to politics, urging Garissa residents to support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election and vote for him to secure a second term in office.
The event brought together issues of development, water access, economic empowerment and emerging 2027 political campaigns, highlighting the growing political activity in Garissa as the country moves closer to the next General Election.
