From Aid Worker to Political Aspirant: Clement Keny Enters SPLM Chairmanship Race in Awerial

By Awan Achiek

In a significant step towards entering the political leadership arena in Awerial County, aid worker Clement Keny Awet Keny has officially declared his candidacy for the chairmanship of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the county.

He pledges to rebuild party structures, enhance grassroots engagement, and prioritize community development in his leadership agenda.

Clement Keny Awet Keny, an aid worker turned politician, aims to strengthen party structures and promote community development as he seeks the SPLM chairmanship in Awerial County, Lakes State.

Keny, the former Secretary General of the Lakes State Youth Union in Juba, stated that his decision to run for party leadership stems from his commitment to community service and the development of Awerial County.

“It is with a deep sense of humility and honor that I declare my intention to join the race for the Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Awerial County,” Keny said in his announcement.

He emphasized that his ambition aligns with the SPLM ideology of bringing services closer to the people, vowing to prioritize local development and strengthen the party’s presence throughout the county.

“My intention to seek the SPLM Chairmanship in Awerial County is deeply rooted in the SPLM ideology of delivering services to the people,” he asserted.

Keny outlined five priority areas in his leadership agenda, including reorganizing SPLM structures at the county level and establishing a permanent party office.

“As I contest for this significant responsibility, I commit to the following areas for the progress of the Aliab Community: restructuring and organizing the SPLM at the county level, including the establishment of a dedicated office for the party,” he stated.

He also pledged to maintain law and order, preserve the county’s security situation, and promote development, with a particular focus on healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Regarding social cohesion, Keny expressed his intention to strengthen peaceful coexistence within the Aliab community and with neighboring communities.

Furthermore, he promised to prioritize the empowerment of young people, women, and girls as part of his proposed leadership agenda.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to share my thoughts, passion, and desire to serve the community wholeheartedly,” he said.

Keny appealed to SPLM members and residents of Awerial County for their support, using the slogan, “People first, Aliab first.”

“I urge you to consider my aspirations and vote for me as the SPLM Chair for Awerial County.”

Keny is competing against Job Cholpiny Manyotdit, the former Chairperson of the Lakes State Commission for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, as well as Magok Amath and Kejo Geng for the SPLM chairmanship in Awerial County.

Keny’s announcement comes as the SPLM conducts party congresses and primary elections nationwide in preparation for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.