KWALE County-Dec 31, 2025-Kwale County politician and 2027 Woman Representative aspirant Bibi Salim Masha has urged youth and women in the county to actively take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise, warning that voter apathy continues to undermine development and leadership accountability.
Speaking in Msambweni, Kwale County, Masha said women and young people form the backbone of the county’s population and electoral power, but often fail to translate their numbers into meaningful leadership choices at the ballot.
“Women and youth are the strong pillar of any society and the entire county. If they fail at the ballot, then they have failed the whole community,” she said.
Masha, who is also a director at the Coast Development Authority (CDA), faulted some youth and women for allowing themselves to be used by politicians through handouts, a practice she said has perpetuated poor leadership and stalled development in the county.
“We are quick at receiving 200 shillings from politicians so that we disrupt visionary leaders or their peaceful rallies. For how long will you continue using the 200 shillings?” posed Ms Masha.
She argued that the cycle of poverty, lack of development, early marriages, unemployment and limited economic opportunities in Kwale is directly linked to irresponsible voting and weak scrutiny of leaders.
According to Masha, meaningful change will only be realised if voters critically assess aspirants and elect leaders based on competence and integrity rather than short-term inducements.
“When women and youth stand strong, weigh all aspirants and properly vet them, Kwale County will get the leadership it deserves,” she said.
Masha also took a swipe at leaders who disappear after elections, only resurfacing during campaign periods to distribute money in order to retain their seats.
She said Kwale needs a Woman Representative who understands her constitutional mandate, remains accessible to constituents, and prioritizes problem-solving over political convenience.
“We are the change we want. But if we don’t take leadership matters seriously, we will continue lamenting about poverty, lack of education, empowerment and opportunities for many years to come,” she said.
Warning against vote-buying, Masha noted that electing leaders who spend money during campaigns often leads to the electorate being sidelined once those leaders seek to recover their political investment.
“If you are paid 200 shillings or even 50 shillings, it becomes a transaction. When they get into office, they go back to repay themselves. At what point will you be factored into development?” she asked.
