Mandera elders 'anoint' county officials

By Boniface Ongeri and Adow Jubat

In a move likely to shake politics in Northern Eastern, Mandera's most populous community has named its nominees for top county positions.

Leaders of the Gurreh community say those who have been ‘anointed’ will not be subjected to any competition in the General Election.

Abdikadir Adan Chitto

Ali told The Standard on Sunday that he would be consulting widely with the leaders from the other clans.

According to 2009 census results, more than 60 per cent of the population in Mandera is from the Gurreh community while about 40 per cent is shared among Murule, Degodia, Shekali, Shabelle, Warabea, Leisan, Gabawein clans.

While some residents have voiced concerns the move may kill democracy, the council argues that it was necessary to nominate the office holders to avert retrogressive political wars. Suleiman Mahamud Issak, the coordinator of Nomad Life Foundation, said he supports the elders’ action.

"The decision was binding because we realised that instead of wasting energy on campaigns and adding salt to the already volatile Mandera politics, aspirants should be vetted and qualified ones nominated," he said. Mohamud said the decision had been reached but will be amplified late.

"The other clans would be informed of the decision soon," he said. However, a section residents voiced concerns the move to nominate candidates for various elective positions may kill democracy.

Abdirahaman Hajji Ismail, the vice chairman of the County Council of Mandera says whoever is nominated must be acceptable to all. "We haven’t been informed of the decision, meaning it is not binding," he said. Kulow Maalim Hassan, a Kenya Airports Authority director, said he is in the race for the new Banisa constituency seat.

Kulow Maalim Hassan: Photos:STANDARD

"The decision to nominate someone for the seat is not binding. Anybody who thinks they will have a field day should better get prepared. Mandera County is not a monarchy. It is a cosmopolitan county," he said. However, the elders said the community had reached a decision after vetting aspirants.

Chitto, a consultant, said he would contest governor’s seat. "The council’s decision is not binding. I’m in the race," he said.

Prof Issak Elmi, a former lecturer at the University of Nairobi and chief researcher with Nema, said no seat in Mandera would go unchallenged. "The Constitution is supreme and everyone has a right. No group can decide for the masses. Only IEBC can prevent a candidate from running", he said.

Maalim Alinur, the Council of Elders Chairman, said everyone was party to the decision and those who lost in the interviews had signed for whatever outcome.