By Betty Luke
Isiolo Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa has spoken about her differences with other elected leaders saying ‘it is just political’.
The ally to Deputy President William Ruto is the only elected leader in Isiolo opposed to the constitutional amendments.
The Building Bridges Initiative broke her relationship with four other MPs leaving her a lone-ranger as was depicted during Dr Ruto’s county visit on February 13 that all the leaders snubbed (only attended by Ngaremara MCA).
Ms Jaldesa and Senator Fatuma Dullo had previously ganged up against the county government that they severally accused of embezzlement and failure to deliver to the electorates.
But the proposed amendments being pushed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga made the two, who are Isiolo’s most vocal leaders, take different paths for what many say is for political survival.
The contents of the BBI report that scraps the Woman Rep’s seat also contributed to the fallout as both could battle it for the Senator’s seat in 2022.
Surprisingly, former foes Ms Dullo and Governor Mohamed Kuti are now friends courtesy of BBI and the former was recently quoted politely asking Dr Kuti to ensure some of the street lights along the Isiolo-Moyale road are fixed.
Ms Jaldesa, however, enjoys significant support from Isiolo North MP Hassan Odha whose political star has been dimming in the recent past with Ms Dullo, Isiolo South MP Abdi Koropu and Nominated Senator Abshiro Halake leading the pro-BBI team.
Though Mr Odha is seen to be leaning towards Ms Jaldesa, who he needs to at least get some votes from Borana community, the first-term MP has remained lukewarm on BBI but his past sentiments suggest that he is in the BBI train.
Ms Jaldesa recently said the leaders shared one vision and were all committed to ensuring the interests of the common Mwananchi are realized.
“Politically we are not together but our interest for Isiolo County is the same. We are together on all the things pertaining to common Mwananchi and we have no issues. The differences between us are just political and it is normal,” Ms Jaldesa said during a recent security meeting at Isiolo town police station mess.
