I'll abide by elders' choice for governor — Korane

Garissa Governor Ali Korane on Saturday promised to abide by the Awdhaq Council of elders choice in the Garissa governorship race.

Korane wants to defend his seat and could face Major Dekhow Maalim and educationist Habat Sheikh. All have submitted their application to the council for vetting.

The Awdhaq Council of Elders that is headed by Sultan Dekhow Sambul is made up of seven subclans, namely  Rer Harun, Rer Musa, Rer Gulleid, Aden Gerry, Rer Yahya, Rer Kassim and Rer Mahat.

In Northeastern, clans and elders play a major role in picking candidates who will get clan support. Those endorsed by their clans have an advantage.

Speaking at his residence to elders from is Rer Yaha clan, Korane repeated his interest in defending his seat. Over the years, he said, clan elders have done a commendable job in picking candidates.

He promised to abide by their choice for governor.

“I am a  firm believer in the process that has kept us together as a  clan for centuries and earned us respect from other communities over the years.

"Unfortunately, we have certain leaders who belittle the Council of Elders. That disrespect should stop. I will respect their decision," Korane said.

He urged members of the community to remain united and support the verdicts by clan elders who will nominate flagbears for various positions.

"During the last general election, we went through a system of negotiated democracy that nominated candidates before we reached out to other communities for support. This one will be no different.

"The bottom line is that we all have to make sacrifices for the common good of our community,” Korane said.

Community elders led by clan sultan Haret Muhumed expressed willingness to endorse Korane for a  second term but resolved to abide by any verdict unanimously made by Sultan Maalim.

Last month, retired educationist Habat Sheikh, who has been endorsed by his subclan of Rer Muse, also expressed optimism that the Awdhaq Council of Elders will endorse him.

He promised to respect their choice, he was a firm believer in the process that he said had kept the community united for decades.

Council’s spokesperson Hassan Osman, who is also the secretary, said the council will exercise transparency when picking candidates. He said they will consider integrity, leadership skills and education levels, among other qualities.

“This is the system that has worked for us as a community and we  must all accept the verdict and back those picked to flag the community’s flag," Osman said.

Other candidates who have declared interest in the governor's seat include former Governor Nathif Jama who has already been endorsed by his Aulihan community, former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye and Dekow Maalim.

(Edited by V. Graham)