Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikheir encourages residents without national identity cards to seize the opportunity presented by the government’s recent decision to eliminate additional vetting requirements for obtaining this essential document.
Abdikheir emphasizes that this policy change allows eligible residents to secure IDs, register as voters, and actively engage in shaping the political landscape of the region.
He highlights that enhanced identification and voter registration will amplify the region’s political voice, ensuring that more residents participate in elections and democratic processes.
“Let us embrace this opportunity. Our community can now obtain identity cards without the barriers and lengthy vetting procedures that have hindered us for years,” he states.
“Every eligible resident should acquire an ID, register as a voter, and engage in the democratic process,” he adds.
This call for ID and voter registration follows the unanimous endorsement of Abdikheir for a second term by Murule Weytan elders, providing him with a significant political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
For years, residents in certain areas faced extensive family documentation and verification procedures when seeking identification documents, unlike applicants in many other regions of the country.
This practice drew criticism, with leaders and residents describing it as discriminatory. Despite the government’s easing of requirements, registration numbers in the region remain low.
Leaders are now urging residents to capitalize on these changes.
“We have long discussed marginalization, but now we have no excuses. We have been granted the same opportunity as every other Kenyan to obtain an ID card, register as voters, and access government services. Let us seize this opportunity,” Abdikheir urges.
He also calls on residents to reciprocate the government’s efforts by supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The legislator notes that the Kenya Kwanza administration has initiated development projects and implemented measures to address long-standing challenges in northern Kenya.
Leading the endorsement, Ugass Abdinasir Maalim Adan states that the elders meticulously evaluated all aspirants before choosing the incumbent.
He asserts that Abdikheir’s development record, leadership experience, and dedication to the constituency position him favorably against his competitors.
“We have thoroughly assessed his performance and concluded that he deserves another term to complete the transformation of the Lafey constituency,” Adan affirms.
Another elder, Ugass Abdullahi Abdinur Gessey, emphasizes the importance of continuity in their decision.
He argues that changing leadership before the completion of ongoing programs could hinder development.
He points to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and efforts to improve access to clean and reliable water as areas where the MP has made significant contributions.
Abdikheir expresses gratitude to the elders for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing the community in the 2027 elections.
He recognizes the significance of this endorsement, especially given the number of aspirants seeking the elders’ approval, viewing it as a vote of confidence in his leadership.
“I am profoundly humbled and honored by our elders’ decision to endorse me for a second term. This is particularly meaningful, as I was not the only candidate seeking their approval,” he states.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a renewed commitment to serve our people even better.”
The MP pledges to continue providing what he describes as progressive and inclusive leadership while accelerating development in a constituency that has historically lagged behind other regions in key development indicators.
He believes a second term will enable him to consolidate the progress made during his first tenure while pursuing new opportunities for residents.
His priorities will focus on education, infrastructure development, youth and women’s empowerment, and programs targeting individuals living with disabilities.
“Lafey has long been behind in development, and we must collectively change this. We have made strides, but much work remains,” Abdikheir asserts.
“I am ready and willing to continue delivering strong leadership and collaborating with our community to uplift this constituency.”
Lafey constituency is predominantly home to three major Murule sub-clans—Yabarsen, Sharmake, and Nacabsor. While Yabarsen is the majority sub-clan, Sharmake and Nacabsor represent minority groups. Abdikheir hails from the Yabarsen sub-clan.
Among Somali and other pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, elders play a vital role in guiding the political direction of their communities.
