Muslima Salim popularly known as Montana has received a high-profile endorsement as she vies for the Mandera County Women Representative seat, consolidating support from key local leaders and community groups ahead of the upcoming elections.
The endorsement, announced at a meeting in Mandera, was led by a coalition of Weytan ladies, civil society leaders and youth representatives who said Ms. Salim’s track record on education, health and women’s economic empowerment made her the strongest candidate to represent Mandera women in the National Assembly.
“We have watched Muslima serve this community with integrity and results,” said one of the endorsing elders. “She understands our challenges, from school infrastructure to maternal health and she has the competence to turn promises into policies.”
Ms. Salim, a long-time community organiser, highlighted her campaigns’ emphasis on expanding access to maternal health services, improving girls’ school retention, and creating economic opportunities for women through microfinance and vocational training.
She said the endorsement demonstrates growing trust in her leadership across clan lines.
“I am humbled by the support,” Ms. Salim told reporters. “This endorsement is a call for unity. If elected, I will push for laws and budgets that deliver healthcare, education and livelihoods for women and children in Mandera.”
The endorsing coalition also cited Ms. Salim’s involvement in inter-clan dialogue initiatives that reduced localized tensions last year, describing her as a bridge-builder capable of representing Mandera’s diverse communities at the national level.
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Several youth leaders at the event emphasized her commitment to job creation and training programs for young people.
Opposition candidates dismissed the endorsements as politically motivated, arguing that votes will be decided at the ballot and not at rallies.
“Endorsements matter, but they don’t win elections,” said one rival, who called for voters to assess all contenders’ manifestos.
Political analysts say endorsements from traditional leaders remain influential in Mandera’s largely pastoral communities, where clan networks and elder councils play a central role in shaping public opinion.
However, analysts add that urban voters and the youthful electorate may weigh service delivery records and campaign promises more heavily.
With the election campaign intensifying, Ms. Salim appears to be solidifying both grassroots and institutional backing.
Observers will watch whether this endorsement translates into broader electoral momentum when Mandera residents head to the polls.