[Garissa Parliamentary seat hopeful Farah Maalim in a recent event. He has rubbished claims that he is an outsider in Garissa.] (Photo: mpasho.co.ke)Garissa Parliamentary seat aspirant Farah Maalim has dismissed claims allegedly being propagated by his rival that he is an outsider trying to impose himself to locals.

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Maalim says that he was born and raised up in Garissa contrary to wants critics are publishing in some media outlets.

In an interview with the Daily Nation, Maalim said that his father was a police officer who worked and raised him in Garissa.

The former National Assembly deputy speaker claimed that rivals are afraid of his bid and want to incite locals against him.

“It is malicious for my rival to claim that I am an outsider when I was born and raised up in Garissa,” he said as quoted by Daily Nation.

Maalim accused his rival of engaging in smear politics with the aim of maligning his name ahead of the August 8 polls.

“My rival knows that I am going to beat him fairly and is now using malicious tactics to soil my name,” he added.

Maalim said that he will not fall to intimidation adding that his focus is on the August 8 general election. He added that the August 8 election will define the destiny of Garissa people.

The former deputy speaker appealed to locals to make informed choices and vote for leaders who will bring change.

“Time for change has come and Garissa people must speak in one voice and elect leaders who will fight for their interests,” he added.

Maalim is seeking to unseat incumbent Aden Duale. The two politicians  have been engaging in public spats with Duale saying that Maalim is not fit for the Garissa parliamentary seat.

According to Duale, Maalim is a political reject who has nothing to offer locals. Duale has since vowed to burry Maalim in a 10 feet political grave on August 8.