Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye has declared he will run for the Garissa governorship in 2027, dismissing claims that he had shelved his gubernatorial ambitions.
Speaking at a public event in Garissa town, the former ambassador to Botswana rejected claims on social media that he had been financially persuaded to withdraw from the race in favour of another candidate.
“Kindly allow me to use this gathering to address recent speculations and rumours that have been going around in town, specifically on social media, that I have been given money so as to step down in favour of someone else. I want to categorically say that this is not true,” he said.
Shidiye also dismissed reports that he intends to contest the senatorial seat instead, terming them as propaganda aimed at misleading voters.
“There are also those claiming that I will instead go for the senatorial seat. All these are propaganda, which I want to plead with you not to fall for. I remain focused and determined to have my name on the ballot. I appeal that you remain steadfast in supporting my candidature,” he added.
He urged politicians eyeing various elective positions to focus on issue-based campaigns and promote peace, saying voters will ultimately make the final decision at the ballot.
The governorship race in Garissa has already attracted several contenders, including Senator Abdul Haji, former Governor Ali Korane, former Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat, former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass, Moulid Shurie and Shidiye.
Political activity in the county has intensified in recent months, with aspirants seeking endorsements from community elders ahead of the 2027 polls.
Garissa county politics are largely influenced by clan dynamics, with the Abduwaq, Awliyahan and Samawadhal communities playing key roles in shaping alliances and electoral outcomes.
Some candidates, including Haji and Korane, have already received backing from sections of clan elders as sole flag bearers in their respective blocs.
Korane, Shurie and Dubat are from the Abduwaq clan, while Abass and Haji are from the Samawadhal community. Shidiye hails from the Awliyahan clan.
In recent political developments, Korane joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and has been mobilising support across his traditional strongholds.
As the race tightens, analysts say emerging pre-election alliances among clans could prove decisive in determining who clinches the county’s top seat.
Former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abaas speaking at a recent event. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Former PS Abdi Dubat speaking at a recent event in Saka,
Balambala sub county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
WARSMA CEO Maulid Shurie addressing his supporters at a recent event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Former Garissa governor Ali Korane speaking at a recent
event. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
