Over a thousand women from the dominant Abuduwak community on Sunday announced that they will support Aden Duale even as he seeks to defend his Garissa township legislative seat next year.
The women, all from the seven sub-clans convened at Sultan Dekhow Maalim Palace where they delivered their stand for the incoming elections.
Led by Mariam Hussein, the Abuduwak women spokesperson, the women gathering said they unanimously decided to back Duale for another term owing to his commitment and good track record in regional politics. Mariam said the women will never support any other aspirant from the community.
“After doing thorough soul searching and detailed consultations among ourselves, we have finally decided to rally behind Duale, reasons being he has done great for this constituency. Only that he can never bring the heavens down,” she issued.
The women further commended Duale for promoting education in the community, stating that he has educated many school going children whose parents could otherwise not raise school fees to cater for their schooling.
Mariam also said that as women from the largest voting bloc in Garissa township, they are optimistic that the community’s council of elders will further endorse their decision to back up the Majority leader.
Duale is now at a political crossroad following twin endorsement by his clan to defend his position as the Garissa legislator, while another section of the clan wants him to vie for in Balambala.
However, Duale has said that he will make a key decision on the same on Saturday after making consultations with the clan and other relevant stakeholders as far as his political career is concerned.
“I will make the key announcement after consultations. But for now, my heart is still in Garissa Township since it is cosmopolitan. I will make the decision on Saturday at separate rallies in Garissa Township and also Balambala constituency," Duale issued.
The endorsement now remains a big challenge for the incumbent Garissa MP since any decision he makes will evidently throw discontent to either sections of the clan.