Garissa governorship aspirant Abdulkadir Haji with Sultan Hamud Sheikh of the Awliyahan
clan./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
The race for the Garissa governor seat in 2027 is beginning to take shape after Senator Abdul Haji formally sought the backing of the influential Awliyahan community in a move that could reshape political alliances in the county.
In a symbolic ceremony held at a Garissa hotel on Saturday, the two-term senator, who hails from the Samawadhal community, officially submitted his application to the Awliyahan council of elders, signalling growing cooperation between the two clans ahead of the high-stakes gubernatorial contest.
The meeting drew hundreds of elders, professionals, religious leaders and residents from both communities, with prominent elders led by Awliyahan Sultan Hamud Sheikh and Samawadhal Sultan Hassan Omar Shurie presiding over the event.
Addressing the gathering, Haji described the move as a critical step towards building consensus and strengthening unity among communities in Garissa County.
“I want to reiterate the importance of unity among communities residing in Garissa County. Cohesion and brotherhood remain key pillars in our fight against poverty, underdevelopment and divisive tribal politics,” he said.
The senator, who was endorsed by the Samawadhal community in February as its preferred gubernatorial candidate, pledged to respect whatever decision the Awliyahan elders would eventually make.
“I want to give an assurance that I am ready to abide by the decision that will be arrived at by the Awlihan council of elders. If in the event they decide to settle on someone else, I am ready to live with that decision, and I will continue working with our elders,” he said.
Haji also condemned rising cases of personal attacks targeting elders from both communities and leaders involved in the ongoing political engagements.
“It is unfortunate that some politicians have resorted to personal attacks and name-calling. They even don’t have respect for our elders who sit in the council of elders from the two communities,” he said.
He argued that the emerging alliance between the two communities was focused on development and tackling poverty rather than individual political interests.
Speaking during the meeting, Awliyahan Sultan Hamud Sheikh confirmed that the elders had formally received Haji’s application and would consult across the nine Awliyahan sub-clans before making a final decision.
“We have four sons from our Awlihan clan who already presented their applications to the council, and then there is Abdul from the Samawadhal clan who is also seeking our support. We will arrive at a decision and share it with our community members on the direction we will have decided to take,” he said.
Falhada Iman welcomed the development, describing it as a sign of two communities choosing cooperation over division.
“When two communities choose unity over division, they build a coalition strong enough to shape the future together,” she said.
The meeting also unveiled a memorandum of understanding that would guide the two communities should they formally agree to work together politically.
Among leaders present were Farah Maalim, Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane and former MPs Mohamed Hire and Mohamed Dahiye.
Political analysts say the latest developments could significantly influence the 2027 governor race, where clan alliances are expected to play a decisive role.
Other figures linked to the contest include former Governor Ali Korane, former Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat, former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass, WARMA CEO Moulid Shurie and former Lagdera MP Shidiye.
Sultan Hamud Sheikh of the Awliyahan clan speaking at the
meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa Senator and governorship aspirant Abdulkadir Haji
speaking at the event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Political leaders, community elders, professionals and
community members during the meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Sultan Hamud Sheikh of the Awliyahan with
his samawadhal clan sultan Hassan Omar Shurie. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
EALA MP Falhada Iman Dekow speaking at the meeting. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim and Garissa Senator and governorship
aspirant Abdulkadir Haji are keenly perusing a memorandum of understanding that
binds the two communities in the event they decide to forge an alliance. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim speaking at the meeting. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
