By Boniface Ongeri
The race for Wajir County gubernatorial post took a complicated clan arithmetic after a businessman declared interest.
Mr Mohammed Ali Mursal, a trader specialising in education, transport, and construction said he is best suited to drive the county’s economy.
He joins Abdirahaman Abass, the former project co-ordinator at Arid Lands Resource Development, former Wajir East MP Mohamud Abdi, accountant Ahmed Abdullahi Jiirmaow, Mohammed Omar and Mohammed Elmi, the Minister for Development of Northern Kenya and Arid Lands.
There is a mutual understanding among three major clans that the seat should be filled by the Degodia, who are the majority.
Until recently, it appeared the contest was between the Fai, Rer Mohamud, Masareh and Maow sub-clans of the Degodia clan who were trying a balancing act to determine who would be the governor.
The entry of Mursal from the Gerible sub-clan provides a headache to the council of elders, who were tasked with picking a candidate.
To achieve balance, the elders must factor in the four parliamentary seats. The argument is that no sub-clan will go for the parliamentary seats of Wajir East, Wajir West, Eldas and Tarbaj constituencies when their man is nominated as governor.
Mursal said his interest was held back by the community agreement that barred early campaigns until a council of elders was in place. The council was constituted on Friday; with former TSC Chairman Ibrahim Hussein elected chairman.
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Mursal holds an MBA from United States International University and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension Services from Egerton University.
