The newly crowned Sultan – Hassan Shuriye of the Samawathal clan – has said his top priority is to start a peace mission in Garissa county to bring together communities fighting over boundaries.
Shuriye takes over from his father Omar, a former traditional elder killed by people agitating for the secession of the former Northern Frontier District in 1964.
His killing was precipitated by his refusal to support the secessionist movement that wanted the larger Northern Frontier district to secede from Kenya and join Somalia.
Speaking to the press in Garissa town on Saturday, 65-year-old Shuriye said violence hurts development. “We are brothers and sisters. You have intermarried and cannot afford to fight and kill each other. If it is about boundaries, there is enough land for everybody,” he said.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said sultans should be empowered to resolve inter-clan animosity in Balambala, Dadaab, Wajir North and Eldas constituencies.
He said county governments are willing to set aside funds for sultans to carry out their mandate.
Sulatans play a big role in the Somali community. They approve candidates running for election.
