Shanzu Ward MCA aspirant Kimanzi Mbaluka has called for greater inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in leadership and development, saying every resident deserves an equal opportunity to participate in decisions affecting the community.
Speaking during a visit to the PWD community in Hodi Hodi Village, Shanzu Ward, Mbaluka said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of voting and electing accountable leaders in the 2027 General Election.
Mbaluka urged residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote wisely, arguing that elections provide citizens with an opportunity to determine the direction their communities take for the next five years.
“Five years is too long to waste on leadership without a clear plan. We must choose leaders who understand the needs of the people and have practical solutions to the challenges facing our communities,” Mbaluka said.
He said leadership should not only focus on winning elections but also on improving the lives of residents through inclusive development and responsive representation.
During the engagement, Mbaluka highlighted the need to ensure that PWDs, women, young people and the elderly are adequately represented in development programmes and decision-making processes.
“Persons with Disabilities should never be treated as an afterthought. They are equal members of our society whose voices, ideas and aspirations must be considered when development priorities are being set,” he said.
Mbaluka said elected leaders must create platforms where residents can freely express their concerns and contribute to decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.
According to him, Shanzu requires leadership that understands the diverse needs of its population and is willing to work closely with residents to address them.
“Our youth need opportunities, our women need empowerment, our elderly deserve dignity, and Persons with Disabilities deserve equal access to opportunities and services,” he said.
He further cautioned residents against electing leaders based on personal interests, saying voters should scrutinise candidates’ development agendas before making their choices.
“As we approach 2027, people should ask themselves what kind of Shanzu they want to see over the next five years. We need leaders with vision, a practical plan and a genuine commitment to serving everyone,” Mbaluka said.
He pledged to continue engaging residents across Shanzu Ward and listening to the challenges facing different communities.
“Every voice matters. Every person counts. Every community deserves to be heard and valued,” he said.
Mbaluka, who is positioning himself for the Shanzu Ward MCA seat in 2027, is campaigning under the slogan, Sauti ya Shanzu, Tumaini Jipya.
