Timamy endorses deputy as preferred successor in Lamu

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has formally endorse his deputy Mbarak Salim as his preferred successor when his term ends next year.

Timamy said he will not be seeking any political seat in Lamu after completing his second term in 2027.  The governor was first elected to office in 2013 but failed to defend his seat in the 2017 election which he lost to Fahim Twaha. He however reclaimed the seat in the 2022 general election.

Timamy said he is confident that Lamu will be in the safe hands his deputy Salim who is fondly known as Bahjaj.

Bahjaj was sworn in as deputy governor on August 14 last year in a ceremony held at the Mokowe County Headquarters.

He was nominated to the position in February last year, following the death of Raphael Munyua Ndung’u on September 6, 2024.

Timamy had earlier nominated James Gichu after Ndung’u’s demise, but faced a lot of resistance from MCAs, who rejected Gichu’s appointment twice in October and November 2024 due to ethnic considerations

Bhajaj, who served as the CEC for Health was later nominated to take up the job of deputy governor. He is widely credited with improving healthcare in Lamu.

“I am confident Lamu will be in the safe hands of Mbarak Mohamed Salim Bahjaj. My adviser and former Lamu West MP,Julius Ndegwa, will be his running mate. These two are enough to drive Lamu in the right direction once you elect them. Never be deceived,” Timamy said.

He was speaking on Saturday during a tour of county government development projects in Katsaka Kairu, Kakathe, Maleli, Chalaluma, Maisha Masha, Dide Waride and Amkeni in Witu Division.

The governor urged residents to reject leaders promoting early, divisive and tribal-based politics as campaigns for the 2027 polls begin to take shape. He said peace and unity remain the foundation of Lamu and Kenya’s development.

“Let’s love one another and remain united for a better Lamu and Kenya. I am aware some leaders will come to you and spread messages meant to divide you on tribal, ethnic or religious rationale. Reject such politicians,” Timamy said.

He called on leaders to focus on service delivery and unity instead of divisive politics, warning that instability hurts communities the most, especially women and children.

During the tour, Timamy also drummed up support for President William Ruto’s reelection, saying Lamu county has enjoyed sustained peace and stability during his tenure.

He said the county has been fully secured from the al-Shabaab menace under President Ruto’s government.

“We no longer witness cases of insecurity even at the very remotest areas like here in Katsaka Kairu, Maleli, Taa, Kakathe, Pandanguo and others. Security patrols and surveillance are everywhere in Lamu. Ruto deserves two terms for the betterment of Lamu and the country,” he said.

Residents present pledged support for Timamy, his deputy and President William Ruto.

Kalama Masha Maojo, the Witu Mijikenda chairman, praised Timamy’s administration for inclusive leadership.

“Unlike in other county government where we, the Mijikenda, were sidelined in terms of leadership, we’re happy that our people are serving in Timamy’s administration… and we thank you for that,” Masha said.

Kadzo Katana thanked the county leadership for improving health services, citing the operational maternity wing at Witu Health Centre.

“We’re happy that our Witu Health Centre has an active maternity wing where we’re delivering our babies… Because of the improved health systems in Lamu, our neighbours in Tana River have also been crossing over to seek medication in our hospitals,” Kadzo said.

At Chalaluma and Vipingoni pastoralist villages, residents also lauded the county government for livestock rearing projects that have empowered women economically.

“Today, as women, we indeed feel empowered through the livestock rearing projects the county initiated for us. We are self-reliant, unlike before,” Halima Abdi said.

Instant analysis

Governor Issa Timamy’s public endorsement of his deputy, Dr Mbarak Mohamed Salim Bahjaj, marks an early and strategic succession move ahead of the 2027 elections. By clearly stating he will not seek another seat, Timamy aims to manage transition politics and consolidate support within his base.