Isiolo, Kenya| The Ajuran community in Isiolo County has issued a heartfelt appeal to the United Democratic Movement (UDM) to reconsider the recent expulsion of nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Amina Omar Enow, emphasizing her critical role as a voice for the community, particularly for women, in the Isiolo County Assembly.
The call for reinstatement comes in the wake of Amina’s expulsion alongside another nominated MCA, Fozia Jibril, on July 14, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct, insubordination, and failure to honor party obligations.
Community leaders argue that Amina’s removal represents a significant setback for the representation of marginalized groups, and they are urging UDM party leader, Senator Ali Roba, to grant her a second chance, pledging to support her alignment with party policies.
A Community’s Plea for Representation
The Ajuran community, a significant demographic in Isiolo County, has expressed deep concern over the loss of Amina Omar Enow’s voice in the county assembly.
As a nominated MCA, Amina was seen as a vital advocate for the community’s interests, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups.
Her expulsion, alongside Fozia Jibril, has sparked widespread discontent among community leaders and residents who view her as a symbol of progress in a region where women’s representation in leadership remains limited.
“Amina Omar Enow was not just a nominated MCA; she was our voice, our advocate, and a beacon of hope for women in Isiolo,” said a community elder during a gathering in Isiolo town.
“Her removal is a blow to our efforts to ensure equitable representation in the county assembly. We appeal to the UDM leadership to reconsider this decision and allow her to continue serving our people.”
The Ajuran community’s appeal underscores the broader challenge of gender representation in Kenyan politics. Despite progress in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented in elected and nominated positions.
In Isiolo, the election of Halima Abgudo as the first female MCA in Cherab Ward in 2022 was a historic milestone, highlighting the gradual but hard-fought gains for women in the region. Amina’s role as a nominated MCA was seen as an extension of these efforts to amplify women’s voices in governance.
UDM’s Decision and the Expulsion Controversy
The United Democratic Movement, led by former Mandera Governor and current Senator Ali Roba, expelled Amina Omar Enow and Fozia Jibril on July 14, 2025, citing gross misconduct, insubordination, and failure to pay party dues.
The decision was formalized in a letter read by Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohammed Roba, who also instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to bar the two MCAs from accessing the assembly premises.
The move has intensified political tensions in Isiolo, a county known for its complex clan dynamics and competitive political landscape.
According to posts circulating on X, the expulsions were based on allegations that Amina and Fozia repeatedly defied party directives and failed to respond to summons issued by the UDM leadership.
The party’s disciplinary committee reportedly deliberated on the matter before concluding that the two MCAs had violated UDM’s constitution, prompting their immediate removal from the party and the county assembly.
However, the Ajuran community disputes the grounds for Amina’s expulsion, arguing that she was not given adequate opportunity to address the allegations or align with the party’s expectations.
Community leaders have expressed their willingness to mediate and guide Amina to ensure compliance with UDM’s policies, emphasizing that her reinstatement would serve the broader interests of unity and representation in Isiolo.
“We understand the importance of party discipline, but we believe Amina deserves a second chance,” said a prominent Ajuran community leader. “Her contributions to our community outweigh these challenges, and we are ready to work with the UDM leadership to ensure she adheres to party guidelines moving forward.”
The Role of UDM in Isiolo’s Political Landscape
The United Democratic Movement has emerged as a significant political force in Isiolo County since the 2022 general elections, securing four out of ten MCA seats in the county assembly.
This success, attributed to the leadership of Senator Ali Roba, has positioned UDM as a dominant player in the region’s politics, particularly among the Somali and Ajuran communities.
The party’s strong performance in Isiolo, coupled with its alignment with the Kenya Kwanza coalition, has given it considerable influence in shaping local governance.
However, the expulsion of Amina and Fozia has raised questions about the party’s approach to internal discipline and its commitment to inclusive representation.
Critics argue that the decision risks alienating key community groups, particularly the Ajuran, who have been instrumental in UDM’s electoral success in Isiolo. The community’s appeal for Amina’s reinstatement reflects broader concerns about balancing party loyalty with the need for diverse representation in a county marked by ethnic and clan diversity.
Women’s Representation and the Broader Implications
Amina Omar Enow’s expulsion comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with the challenge of increasing women’s participation in politics.
The 2010 Constitution of Kenya mandates that no more than two-thirds of any elective or appointive body should be of the same gender, a provision aimed at promoting gender equality. However, the implementation of this rule has faced significant hurdles, particularly at the county level, where women remain underrepresented in both elected and nominated positions.
In Isiolo, the county assembly has made strides toward inclusivity, with the election of Halima Abgudo and the nomination of women like Amina and Fozia.
However, the expulsion of two female MCAs threatens to reverse these gains, prompting concerns about the erosion of women’s voices in local governance. The Ajuran community’s appeal highlights the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and political representation, underscoring the need for parties like UDM to adopt inclusive approaches to leadership.
“Women in Isiolo face unique challenges, from cultural barriers to limited access to political networks,” said a local women’s rights advocate. “Amina’s presence in the county assembly was a step toward addressing these issues. Her removal is not just a loss for the Ajuran community but for all women in Isiolo who aspire to leadership.”
Looking Ahead: A Call for Dialogue
As the Ajuran community awaits a response from UDM, calls for dialogue between the party leadership and community representatives are growing louder.
Leaders have expressed hope that Senator Ali Roba, a respected figure in Isiolo and Mandera, will consider their appeal and engage in discussions to resolve the issue amicably.
The community has also proposed mentorship and support mechanisms to ensure that Amina aligns with UDM’s expectations, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing the controversy.
The situation in Isiolo reflects broader themes in Kenyan politics, where party discipline, community representation, and gender equality often intersect in complex ways.
As UDM navigates its role within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and its growing influence in northern Kenya, the party’s handling of this issue could set a precedent for how it balances internal governance with the demands of diverse constituencies.
For now, the Ajuran community remains hopeful that their appeal will resonate with UDM’s leadership, paving the way for Amina Omar Enow’s reinstatement and the restoration of their voice in the Isiolo County Assembly.
As one elder poignantly stated, “Our fight is not just for Amina but for the future of our community and the women who will follow in her footsteps.”
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