Africa-Press – Kenya. Captain Ruweida Mohammed, a pilot since 1999 and who has flown prominent politicians in the country, has permanently quit her prestigious career to focus on politics.
Ruweida has for many years flown prominent politicians including the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator James Aggrey Orengo and Governors Hassan Ali Joho of Mombasa and Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu.
She first joined politics in 2017 while still flying and successfully contested for the Lamu Woman Representative seat on a Jubilee Party ticket, flooring five other contestants, including Shakilla Abdala, the former holder of the position.
Having served as the area Woman Member of Parliament while still in her flying career, Ruweida now says it is time for her to hang the flying boots and concentrate on her political journey, this time eyeing a seat she says has been dominated by men for years.
Ruweida will be battling it out with Lamu East Member of Parliament, Athman Sharif, for the parliamentary seat in the August 9, 2022 polls.
The ex-pilot adds that she is president Uhuru Kenyatta’s zealous supporter, and will only contest for the seat on a Jubilee Party ticket or on a party the President advises her.
“I am a President Uhuru’s ardent supporter. I can never shift to any other party, and if there will be no Jubilee in 2022, I will wait for the President to advise us on which party we should join,” Ruweida remarked, in an interview with a local media house.
The serving Lamu East MP on the other hand has vowed to defend his seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket. The party is associated with Deputy President William Ruto.
MP Sharif says he is confident that the people of Lamu will give another chance to continue his development agenda in the county.
“I believe I will still win the MP seat for Lamu East in 2022, as my constituents still need me to finish my projects. My constituents are very happy with my work. I have worked hard to ensure that they have electricity and water in the villages,” MP Sharif mentioned.
Ruweida has added that seeking the parliamentary seat is her major objective to secure the place of women in governance.
