Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has challenged women in the county to step forward and seek elective leadership positions, saying they have the capacity to lead and contribute meaningfully to the county’s development.
Mungatana said women should not limit themselves to positions reserved specifically for them but should also compete for other elective seats, including Members of Parliament and governors.
The Senator pointed to Homa Bay, Embu, Kwale and Kirinyaga counties as examples where women have been elected as governors, demonstrating that women can successfully take up some of the country’s highest elective positions.
He noted that Tana River has consistently elected women to the County Assembly but has yet to elect a woman as a Member of Parliament, apart from the Women’s Representative position.
Mungatana urged women across the county to take advantage of the available political opportunities and present themselves for leadership at all levels.
“I encourage the women of Tana River to come forward and seek all elective positions,” Mungatana said.
The Senator made the remarks during a Tula ceremony organised by members of the Somali Wein community, where community members endorsed and blessed Fardosa as she seeks to contest for a parliamentary seat.
Mungatana said the participation of more women in elective politics would help broaden representation and give residents a wider choice of leaders capable of addressing the county’s development needs.
His call comes as political activity continues to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with potential candidates and political leaders increasingly positioning themselves for various elective positions.
The Senator’s remarks are also likely to fuel discussions on women’s political representation in Tana River, where women have historically faced challenges in securing elective positions beyond the constitutionally established Women’s Representative seat.
Mungatana encouraged women aspiring to leadership to build confidence, mobilize support and compete on an equal footing with their male counterparts, saying leadership opportunities should be open to all qualified and committed residents.
