Dadaab MP Mohamed Dahiye now wants national government to intervene and end drought to bring back pastoralists who crossed over to neighboring Somalia and Ethiopia countries in search of pasture and water for their livestock.
The MP said pastoralists should be lured back to vote in the August 8 polls since the majority of those who migrated with their animals are registered voters.
“The government has the power to end drought to give our people the right to vote. It is the role of the government to ensure that Kenyans' livelihoods are safeguarded,” he said.
He added that as leaders from the affected areas, they are worried since the number of voter turnout may be low if the government does not take action.
“If pastoralists don’t vote, Jubilee may also lose since it has massive support in the region. As leaders we should not take chances,” he noted.
Dahiye was elected on an ODM ticket in 2013 but decamped to KANU, an affiliate of Jubilee party.
Dadaab, Lagdera, Balambala and some parts of Wajir and Mandera counties are affected with drought due to failed rains.