Haji's son elected to succeed father

Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Haji. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The son of the late Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji has been elected unopposed to replace his father who died while in office.

Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji was gazetted yesterday as the new Garissa Senator after he was declared winner of the uncontested election.

The Jubilee Party candidate was the only one who expressed his interest in the seat left vacant by his father's death on February 15.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair announced his election in a gazette notice declaring that there had been no contest and Haji was senator - elect. A by election had been slated for May 18, 2021.

Garissa Town MP Aden Duale said the people of Garissa had faith that he would fill his father's shoes.

"We have faith in you that you will deliver to the people of Garissa as their Senator," Duale said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipcumba Murkomen congratulated the new senator saying he was looking forward to working with him in the remaining 17 months.

"I believe his youthful energy and courage will add a lot of value to the institution of the Senate," Murkomen said.