Former Ijara MP sets eyes on Garissa governor seat

Former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass. [Abdimalik Hajir, Standard]

Former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass yesterday officially launched his bid for the Garissa governor seat in the 2027 elections, pledging to ensure the prudent and transparent use of devolved funds if elected.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters, Abass termed unfortunate the lack of water and absence of better sanitation within Garissa County despite the allocation of over Sh100 billion since the inception of devolution.

“Thirteen years since the start of devolution, there is totally nothing to show for it. I am hurt by this, and I think I can do a better job to ensure funds meant for devolution are prudently used,” he said.

The declarations were preceded by his application to the Samawathal council of elders, who are supposed to review his candidature against others who are expected to apply for the seat.

Ahmed Ibrahim Abass (Centre) when he was endorsed for Garissa gubernatorial seat. [Abdimalik Hajir, Standard]

The declarations were preceded by his application to the Samawathal council of elders, who are supposed to review his candidature against others who are expected to apply for the same.

‎The ceremony was held at the residence of the community’s sultan, Hassan Sultan Omar Shurie; Abaas gave out his application certificate to the council of elders from the Samawathal community.

‎The elders noted that they have received the application and will review it based on the number of people who are going to apply through them.

After selection, the elders are expected to face their counterparts from other clans for negotiations in a power-sharing deal. 

In Garissa, like any other North Eastern County, local elders have a strong influence in the community, hence political leaders go through them for endorsement.

Current senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji, who is in the same Samawathal sub-clan with Abass, has also been making inroads meeting clan elders, and the latest declaration by Abass may be viewed by some as a spoiler for the senator.

However, Abass said he can never be anybody's project since as a young politician at 37 years, he faced a political giant, Mohamed Yussuf (senator Haji’s father) for a political duel in 2007 for Ijara parliamentary seat.

In past elections, the Samawathal clan, who are predominantly from Ijara Constituency, have been making political coalitions with either Abduwak or Aulihan of the larger Ogaden clan, sharing political positions with Samawathal taking deputy governor and senator positions.

The former lawmaker said having worked as Garissa County assembly speaker, he has stepped in all wards in the county, hence knows their weakness and will work to improve their well-being as a governor.

Ahmed Ibrahim Abass hoisted onto shoulders by cheering supporters at his gubernatorial endorsement. [Abdimalik Hajir, Standard]

”I have the experience of this seat and am qualified for the job; you will not regret electing me as your governor,” said Abass.

Abass came to political limelight when he first contested for Ijara parliamentary seat in 2007 against the late Yussuf Haji.

He again contested in 2013, where he won on an ODM ticket, defeating the then nominated MP Sofia Abdinoor. In the 2017 elections, he was floored by Sofia but was elected as Garissa County Assembly speaker until 2022.

Abass, a certified accountant, adds to the growing list of individuals who have so far declared their interest in being Garissa governor.

Former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow, former PS Abdi Dubat Fiddow, and former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye are among those who have declared their interest.

Adow Jubat, a former journalist and an elder from the community, said that they had for the first time unanimously decided to support one of their own for the top seat in the coming general election.

“As a community, we have unanimously decided to fully support the former MP’s governorship bid. In him we see a visionary leader who will not only transform the county but unite all communities residing in this cosmopolitan area,” he said.

Former Ijara MP Idle Dahir Weirah said Abass' leadership skills have been demonstrated in the positions that he has served before, calling on the residents from the different communities to rally behind him.

“We believe that under his leadership, Garissa can become a model county — where diversity is celebrated, services are delivered fairly, and every citizen has a voice in shaping our collective future.”