Garissa clan urges unity as elders chart political direction ahead of 2027 elections

Sultan Hamud Sheikh of the Auliyahan community speaking./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Omar Khalif elder speaking at the event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Halima Hassan speaking at the event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The Sultan of the Aulihan clan in Garissa has called on members of the community to remain united and resist attempts by external forces to divide them, emphasiSing that their strength lies in unity.

Sultan Hamud Sheikh asked community members to remain patient as elders deliberate on the political direction of the clan.

He spoke at a Garissa hotel when he received the application of Noordin Mohamed Ibrahim, who is seeking nomination as deputy governor.

“Today we are here with my fellow elders receiving Noordin Mohamed’s application. People out there are asking why we are receiving the application of a person seeking the DG position,” he said.

“This clearly shows there is a reason for that. And this we have explained to our people, and they are fully aware of these developments. It means there is something there. He can be deputy to a governor candidate from the other clans. But in due time we will make that clear,” Sheikh said.

Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye officially presented his application to the elders last month although there are claims alleging the Aulihan clan is considering forging a political alliance with the Sawadhal clan.

The proposed coalition would see the Aulihan clan front a candidate for the deputy governor position to deputise current Garissa Senator Abdul Haji. Haji has already been endorsed by his Samawadhal clan as the sole candidate for the governorship.

However, Sultan Hamud neither confirmed nor denied whether the Aulihan community would front a candidate for the governor’s seat, stating only that “all indications are there for all to see.”

Noordin Mohamed said his decision to enter politics and seek the elders’ endorsement for the deputy governor’s seat was driven by his desire to bring the much-needed change he believes the county is yearning for.

“I am alive to the clan dynamics in our county and I have formally tendered my application to our elders. It is my hope and prayer that they will consider me for the position,” he said.

Noordin pledged to respect the elders’ decision and urged fellow aspirants who have sought endorsement for various positions to do the same.

“The elders’ resolutions should be binding on all of us. We cannot have a situation where some individuals who are not happy with whatever decision the elders arrive at decide to chart their own path. This disunity and division is what we should discourage,” he said.

Like in many pastoralist counties, Garissa is a region where politicians eying various elective seats often seek the blessing of elders.

Before formally declaring their bids, aspirants often seek an audience with clan leaders to present their intentions.

It is within these closed-door meetings that critical decisions are frequently made — decisions that can determine whether a candidate proceeds unopposed, steps down, or aligns with another contender.