Via Julius Bob Anyula
Barely 11 months to the 2022 general election, civil servants eyeing elective politics are not taking chances in declaring their interests.
The immidiate former Nairobi county first woman speaker now CAS in the ministry of youths and gender Hon Beatrice Elachi is the latest top ranking government official to make her stand known.
During a live interview on KTN news on Tuesday morning while answering a question from the show host who sought to know her political future plans, the Hon CAS said.
“It is not a secret that I have always had a keen interest in representing my people of Dagoretti North in parliament. In 2017, I had my first attempt against the incumbent Mp Hon Simba Arati but missed the trophy by a whisker. As a democrat, I accepted the results and for the past 4 years, I have given the area Mp ample time to serve our people but in 2022 I will be throwing my hut in the ring again” said Hon Elachi.
While commenting on the failed BBI push, Hon Elachi regretted the decision by the court of appeal but said she obeys it.
“BBI was addressing a myriad of issues that we had failed to address. For instance the two third rule was being tackled in the document but now such gains will have to be sorted in 2022. This therefore means women should not shy away from contesting in 2022” added Hon Elachi.
Elachi’s 2017 bid.
In 2017, Elachi put up a spirited fight and made Simba Arati sweat.
During the hotly contested duel, Elachi finished second despite running on Jubilee ticket that was poisoned by the NASA brigade.
For the past 4 years, Elachi has been engaging herself in several philanthropic projects under her banner of Beatrice Elachi foundation.
The foundation has seen her donate foodstuffs in several childrens homes, sanitary towels, paid fees for the needy students in Dagoretti North besides engaging several women groups on matters development.
Party of choice.
The current CAS in the ministry of youths and gender has kept her supporters guesing on her party of choice in 2022.
Whether it is by design or just by sticking to the code of conduct that stipulates that civil servants should keep off politics we are yet to establish.
Civil servants interested in running for elective positions in 2022 have untill February to resign and join politics.
Political commentators have predicted a bruising battle in Dagoretti North between Hon Simba and Hon Elachi.
“Elachi will give Simba a run for his money, should Elachi choose to run on ANC, it is no open secret that she will wrestle the ticket from Shilibwa setting up a duel with Simba. *hapo ndio Simba atatumwa nyumbani*. Engneer Stano wrote on social media when news of Elachi’s candidature were broken.
“Hon Elachi gave the incumbent a run for his money in the last general elections but she has kept her supporters guessing on her next move come 2022. If indeed she is still interested in contesting for DN parliamentary seat she needs to hit the ground running ASAP.” observed Wendo.
Apart from Elachi,other candidates who are readying themselves for 2022 include Benard Shilibwa on Anc , Sam Wanyama Sambu and Gabriel Bukachi aka Chapia Chapia, and Amos Yongo on UDA, ODM has attracted Bosibori while Mathews Abong’o will be flying the KANU flag.
Whichever way it goes, Dagoretti North will be a battle ground.
