The Garre Council of Elders in Mandera county has opted for “negotiated democracy” to avoid disputes among clans and sub-clans and promote equity.
A five-day meeting attended by elders at Banisa resulted in a decision requiring all serving leaders to quit before polls in 2017.
Instead, they will front new contenders using an agreed-upon formula for political seats. Under this scheme, all clans and sub-clans that did not benefit in 2013 will have a chance to lead.
The community is the largest voting bloc in Mandera and the decision by its elders is considered final.
Welcoming the elders’ position, Senator Billow Kerrow yesterday said at Parliament Building he will not run for an elective post in 2017.
“This rotational model was agreed upon and a charter approved by all the 20 sub-clans in 2012,” he said.
The deal, called the Banisa Accord, was meant to restore peace after decades of hostility, which sometimes led to loss of life and destruction.
The community is considered more pro-Jubilee, especially after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Adan Mohamed as the Industrialisation CS.
Yesterday, chairman Sultan Alinoor said they are happy with Mohamed’s appointment and development projects initiated. Sources close to the CS said he is impressed by the agreement.
Another meeting has been scheduled for next week, when the sub-clans, which have been allocated slots, will start submitting their candidates.
Each will submit three names for a position. The elders will then settle on the best qualified individual.
In line with the deal, Governor Ali Roba and woman representative Fathia Mahbub are expected to go home before next year’s elections.
Others are MPs Mohamed Haji (Banissa), Mohamed Noor (Mandera North), Mohamud Mohamed (Mandera West) and Mohamed Huka (Mandera South). The decision will further affect 18 MCAs.