The race for the Garissa County gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election is gaining momentum, with Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji urging residents to move away from clan-based politics and instead focus on candidates’ policies and leadership abilities.
Speaking during a meeting with Somali community elders in Garissa town, Haji said it was time for residents to elect leaders based on their capacity and development agendas rather than the clans or communities they come from.
“It is time to move away from clan politics. Citizens should choose leaders based on their policies and ability to serve them, not because of the clan they come from,” Haji said.
The senator, who has declared his intention to contest for the Garissa gubernatorial seat in 2027, also urged elders to take the lead in resisting politicians who use inflammatory messages and divide residents along clan or community lines while seeking elective positions.
He emphasized that leaders who promote division should not be given space in the county’s political landscape.
“Any leader found dividing residents along clan or community lines should be opposed strongly in order to protect the unity of Garissa,” he said.
Haji also stated that every Kenyan has the right to support or join any political formation they believe in, without being pressured or forced to align with a particular political side.
His remarks come as the race for the Garissa governor’s seat in 2027 continues to gain attention, with several aspirants expressing interest in the position.
Those expected to compete for the seat include former Garissa County Assembly Speaker and former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass; Abdiqani Dubat; former Water Resources Authority Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Moulid Shurie; former Lagdera MP Mohamed Mukhtar Shidiye; former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane, who served from 2017 to 2022; and current Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji.
