All is set for the Isiolo South parliamentary contest after the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared three candidates for the February 26 by-election.
The contest is now officially a sibling rivalry after the late MP Mohamed Tubi’s son and daughter were cleared by the commission to vie for the seat.
Those cleared by the IEBC are Tubi Mohammed Tubi, who is vying on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket and his sister, Bina Mohammed Tubi, who is sponsored by the Jubilee Party.
Also cleared for the Isiolo South by-election race is Isack Abduba Fayo, who is contesting on the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) ticket.
Fayo is the first candidate to seek an elective seat under the party led by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Tubi, 36, who was the first to be cleared on Thursday, enjoys the backing of the Borana elders as well as senior politicians from the county.
However, the entry of his elder sister signaled family disagreements months after Tubi was endorsed by the council of elders.
Bina is endearing herself as the most qualified child of the late MP to advance his legacy in the constituency.
“I am following in my father’s footsteps and upholding his legacy by vying for the seat in his political party. My father believed in the Jubilee Party and defended it. This is why he remained loyal to the party until his death,” Bina said.
She argues that while she was born and raised in the constituency, her younger brother is an outsider, who is not familiar with the issues affecting the residents.
But Tubi maintains he is up to the task and capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the electorate.
“I thank the community elders for endorsing me to take after my father. I am ready for the enormous responsibility given by the elders. Since I worked closely with my father, I am ready to continue from where he left. I am committed to improve access to education, improved security and other community challenges,” Tubi said.
The UDA candidate is enjoying backing from several senior politicians in the county including governor Abdi Guyo, Senator Fatuma Dullo, former governor Godana Guyo as well as former MPs Charfano Mokku and Abdi Tepo.
NEDP’s Fayo, who served as Kinna ward representative, said he was also in the race to win.
“My key agenda is to improve access to education. The former MP had made education for learners in schools within the subcounty free. I intend to ensure students studying outside the constituency also receive more support. I also intend to address security challenges facing our constituency,” Fayo said.
Governor Guyo called has been rallying the residents of Isiolo South to back the ruling party’s candidate even as Jubilee Party fights to retain the seat.
It remains to be seen how the sibling rivalry as well as the UDA and Jubilee feud will shape the Isiolo South parliamentary contest.
The constituency had 22,181 registered voters in 2022.
