Garissa leaders urge kenyans to embrace spirit of Ramadan, shun divisive politics

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Political and religious leaders in Garissa County have called on Kenyans and the political class to refrain from engaging in divisive and hate-driven politics as the country approaches the 2027 general election.

The leaders, led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Falhada Iman Dekow, urged Muslims and Kenyans at large to embrace the spirit of Ramadan, which emphasizes unity, love, forgiveness, and brotherhood.

Speaking at the Rtd. General Mohamud Eid Grounds during Eid prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Falhada emphasized the need for peace and cohesion, particularly during the electioneering period ahead of the August polls next year.

The former senator noted that politicians have a critical role to play in fostering unity, adding that their words and actions significantly influence society.

“Peace is paramount, and we all want it. As we head towards the general election, we should not allow politics to divide us at all. Politicians must also be careful with their utterances. Let us practice mature politics,” she said.

Falhada cited the example of negotiated democracy, a system commonly practiced in the North Eastern region, noting that it has significantly contributed to promoting unity and strengthening social cohesion among communities.

She also took the opportunity to thank President William Ruto for scrapping the vetting requirement that had long hindered residents of the North Eastern region from acquiring national identity cards.

She urged those who are yet to obtain identification documents to take advantage of the directive.

“Initially, our people faced challenges acquiring ID cards, but that is now sorted. We also had problems getting passports, but that too has been addressed. We have every reason to be grateful to the President and to support his administration,” she said.

On his part, SUPKEM National Organizing Secretary Abdullahi Salat criticized recent public spats among political leaders, describing them as embarrassing and detrimental to national unity.

He expressed concern over the ongoing exchanges between President Ruto and opposition leaders, noting that the confrontations have increasingly become personal.

“The attitude being displayed by our leaders, washing their dirty linen in public is a serious concern. Both the President and the opposition need to exercise restraint and avoid going overboard and resorting to personal attacks, even when criticizing each other,” Sheikh Salat said.

He added that the Head of State should set the tone for respectful political engagement.

“The President should lead by example. He was elected by the people and entrusted with a responsibility given by God. Kenyans want to see leaders debate issues constructively, not trade insults in public,” he added.

Salat also raised concerns over the ongoing construction of the Kismayu Road, accusing the contractor of poor workmanship that has put residents at risk, especially during the rainy season.

“A lot of money has been invested in this road, but whenever it rains, it becomes flooded, making it impassable for both motorists and pedestrians,” he said.

He called on the contractor to redo the project to meet proper standards, emphasizing the importance of accountability in public infrastructure projects.

“We are asking the contractor to go back and redo the road. This road is the face of Garissa and the North Eastern region. Kenyans want value for money, not substandard work,” he added.

The leaders’ remarks come amid rising political tensions in the country, with calls growing louder for issue-based campaigns and peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.