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Now a Garissa clan wants to choose leader


Tuesday August 16, 2016

Governor aspirant Ali Korane is endorsed by Sultan Dekow Maalim in Garissa, as the Abduwak clan’s candidate in next year’s election /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Governor aspirant Ali Korane is endorsed by Sultan Dekow Maalim in Garissa, as the Abduwak clan’s candidate in next year’s election /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Days after the Garre Council of Elders decided to endorse new candidates for 2017 elections in Mandera county, a similar ‘negotiated democracy’ has partially played out in Garissa.

At a ceremony attended by hundreds of residents and leaders at Bourargy Primary School on Saturday, the Abduwak clan endorsed Ali Korane, “one of us”, to run for governor.

He will run against Governor Nathif Jama. He was one of the many aspirants eyeing the seat. Others will have to back him, if the plan is carried out.

The county is dominated by the Ogaden Somali community. It has three major clans, the Abdulwak, Auliyan and Samawathal. Unlike Mandera, where elders sought inter-clan unity and harmony, individual clan interests seems to drive Garissa.

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Korane narrowly lost in 2013. According the clan, this happened because it had two candidates. It wants to avoid a repeat of the same. Jama is from the Auliyan clan. The decision may cause clan rivalry.

The Auliyan clan has two constituencies, Lagdera and Dadaab, while the Abuduwak clan has three, Garissa Township, Fafi and Balambala.

The decision was reached by elders, led by Sultan Dekow Maalim. They handed over a traditional walking stick to Korane to signify the clan’s blessing.

Those in attendance included National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale, Balambala MP Abdikhadir Aden, Elyas Bare Shill (Fafi), Abdinoor Mohamed (nominated MP) and MCAs.

They pledged to mobilise supporters and resources to ensure Korane wrest the seat from Jama.
The ‘anointed one’ strongly criticised Jama for corruption. There are poor services, as residents cannot afford basic necessities such as water and healthcare, he said.

“It is illogical for residents to suffer when the county receives Sh7 billion annually from the national coffers,” he said. “Garissa has been turned into a ‘feeding trough’ by the leadership. If elected, I will weed out corruption so our people lead a more dignified life.”
 

 





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