Somalis are part of Kenya’s population and are mostly found in North Eastern region in counties like Garissa.
The Somali community has produced top politicians, musicians, media personalities and other professionals in Garissa and other parts of the country.
Here are two famous and influential women of Somali origin.
1. Amina Mohamed- CS
Ambassador Amina Mohamed is the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for education.
She previously served as Foreign Affairs CS and it’s during her tenure that the country experienced high-profile visitors among them the former US President Barrack Obama.
She is of Somali origin though born and raised up in Western Kenya.
Mohamed is a lawyer and diplomat.
She previously served as chairperson of the International Organization of Immigration.
Ambassador Mohamed also served as the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
2. Nazlin Umar
She is popularly known as the ‘iron lady’ or 'Mama Wanjiku' (the commoner).
She is a political activist and has been vocal in pushing for international recognition of women’s rights, peace and the plight of people living with HIV/Aids.
She became the first Muslim woman to contest for presidential election in 2007.
Umar also contested in the 2013 presidential election.
She is alleged to be Garissa Township MP Aden Duale’s ex-lover.
The former presidential candidate is vocal and has been making comments on national issues.
There are speculations that she could contest for a political seat in Garissa in the 2022 general election.
Umar has however said that she will be on the presidential ballot in 2022.
#hivisasaoriginal