By Issa Hussein - Reporter
June 19, 2026 - Persons with disabilities in Garissa County have been encouraged to actively participate in politics and contest elective positions in the next General Election, with electoral and political party officials affirming their right and ability to compete for leadership positions on an equal footing with other Kenyans.
The call was made during a sensitisation forum organised by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which brought together persons with disabilities and officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to discuss inclusive participation in political and electoral processes.
Speaking after the meeting, ORPP North Eastern Regional Coordinator Ifrah Issa said the forum was part of a broader programme aimed at promoting inclusive political participation among various groups across the region.
"We have been engaging different stakeholders since Monday, including political party officials, women, youth and now persons with disabilities. This is in line with ORPP's commitment to strengthening democracy and ensuring inclusive participation in political and electoral processes," she said.
Issa noted that participants were sensitised on opportunities available to persons with disabilities within political parties and electoral processes, including affirmative action provisions and measures designed to enhance their representation in leadership and decision-making structures.
Garissa IEBC Senior Elections Officer Abdi Yunis Mohamed urged persons with disabilities to take advantage of the available opportunities and consider contesting elective seats.
"We have sensitised them on electoral processes and assured them that they have the same rights as every other Kenyan. Persons with disabilities can vie for any of the six elective positions and should not be left behind in the country's leadership," he said.
Mohamed added that participants were also provided with information on nomination requirements and fees for various elective positions to enable them to make informed decisions ahead of the elections.
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Despite the encouragement, leaders representing persons with disabilities cited financial challenges as a major obstacle to political participation.
Garissa PWDs Chairperson Adan Bille said many qualified individuals are interested in seeking elective office but lack the resources required to mount competitive campaigns.
"Some of us are willing to contest various seats, but many persons with disabilities do not have the financial capacity needed for campaigns. Politics today requires substantial resources, and without money it becomes difficult to compete effectively," he said.
Bille also called for greater transparency in political party nomination processes, arguing that nomination opportunities should be awarded based on merit, loyalty and commitment to party ideals.
Hibo Salat Wardere, vice chair of the disability group in Garissa, also encouraged women with disabilities not to be left behind in seeking elective positions. She called for consideration of women with disabilities in nomination slots for women in both county and national assemblies.
The forum forms part of ongoing efforts by the ORPP and other stakeholders to promote inclusive governance and enhance the participation of marginalised groups in Kenya's democratic processes.