Former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane has pledged to purchase land for a Christian cemetery if elected back to office, seeking to address a longstanding challenge faced by the Christian community in the predominantly Muslim county.
Bunow made the promise during the installation ceremony of the chairman of the Kikuyu community in Garissa, saying Christians in the county have for years struggled to find a suitable place to bury their loved ones.
“If elected governor again, I will ensure the county purchases land that will be used as a cemetery so that Christians can bury their loved ones with dignity,” Bunow said.
For decades, Christians living in Garissa have been forced to transport the bodies of their deceased relatives to Adele, near Madogo in neighboring Tana River County, due to the lack of a designated Christian cemetery within Garissa County.
In addition to the cemetery pledge, Bunow said he would appoint a member of the Wabara community as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture if he returns to office, describing the move as part of his commitment to inclusive leadership.
Bunow served as Garissa Governor from 2017 to 2022 before losing the seat to the incumbent, Nathif Jama Adam, who is currently serving his second term.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi DaganeMuhumed, Ambassador Mohamed Muktar Shidiye, Garissa Township MP Dekow MohamedBarrow, candidates vying for the Woman Representative seat, and other local leaders.
