Kenya’s Consul-General in Arusha and aspirant for Garissa governor’s seat Abdi Dubat has promised to change the county if elected in 2027.
Dubat, who launched his bid on Saturday in Saka ward, Bumbala subcounty, urged residents to stand united, speak with one voice to deliver the seat.
He said the county has suffered for a long time under the weight of failed leadership.
“We have witnessed a pattern of neglect, broken promises and poor service delivery. The systems are completely broken. The hospitals we depend on no longer have drugs. Healthcare has completely collapsed. Water, a basic commodity, is unavailable even in Garissa town. Surely we cannot continue like this,” Dubat said.
He said it is unrealistic for the region to continue crying against marginalisation more than 10 years after devolution.
“Since Independence, the people of Northeastern have been lamenting marginalisation. We got devolution and we have been receiving a lot of money and we are still crying of marginalisation,” the diplomat said.
Former Principal Secretary in the State Department for East African Community Affairs was among five candidates who were in July dropped by the Abuduwaq council of elders in July, settling on former Governor Ali Korane, though negotiated democracy.
However, in a quick turn of events that could have far-reaching consequences for the community’s bid to clinch the seat, the Arusha diplomat immediately rejected Korane’s endorsement, terming it a sham.
The Abuduwaq clans consist of seven subclans: Rer Yahya, Rer Gulled, Rer Kassim, Rer Musa, Adhan Geri, Rer Mahat, Rer Harun and Rer Daud.
Dubat comes from the Rer Kassim subclan, while Korane comes from the Rer Yahye.
On Saturday, Dubat said he is in the race not to divide the community’s vote but to win.
“We are here to unite. We are not enemies. We are one people, one county, one destiny. We are not here to make promises that we cannot keep; we are here to deliver on the promises that we make,” the diplomat said.
He thanked President William Ruto for his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and national unity, saying for the first time in the country’s history, the people of Northeastern genuinely feel part and parcel of the government, not just in words, but through deliberate action.
“As people of Garissa county, we hold high offices and we would like to tell the President that for the first time we feel as part of a government. Since independence, we have not had a government that has rewarded us with positions like yours [Ruto’s],” Dubat said.
“I want to assure the President that, regardless of the competition we might have amongst ourselves, we are united in the presidential vote and we are all going to vote for you.”
Siyad Osman urged UDA party to conduct free and fair nominations, saying handing over direct nomination to a single candidate would affect the party’s chance of winning.
He was referring to a move by the UDA party to endorse Korane as its candidate last month.
Korane, who defected from Jubilee to UDA, was handed the certificate by chairperson Cecily Mbarire, secretary general Hassan Omar and deputy party leader Issa Timamy.
“We love the President and we will marshal our
people to ensure he is reelected. However, we request a free and fair
nomination. He should not allow a few individuals to destroy the party that is
loved by all,” Osman said.
Former Fafi MP Abdikarim Osman
urged residents to embrace new leadership, saying the county has stagnated in
development as a result of recycling leaders.
He appealed to residents to
register as voters, saying it is the only tool they can use to bring the
much-needed change.
