Bardad's endorsement for Mandera North MP splits clan

Some members of the Jibrael clan in Mandera North have rejected the endorsement of Mohamed Bardad for MP.

Bardad was endorsed by splinter group led by Omar Sheikh on December 4 at Maasai Lodge Hotel.

In a press release on Tuesday, Jibrail professionals criticised the process saying it was not properly done.

The lobby said the vetting committee “is not known and no one knows the criteria and the people selected to conduct such an important family-based process.”

“It is important to note that no one from Mandera constituency knows who appointed, selected or elected the self-proclaimed committee," they said.

“We, the professionals of Mohamed Jibrael unanimously and respectfully disagree with the decision made by the self- proclaimed Mohamed Jibrael vetting committee led by Omar Sheikh on Sunday, December 4, at Maasai Lodge Hotel,” the statement read.

The professionals were reacting to a contested vetting committee which declared Bardad as their preferred candidate.

The vetting team had said they assessed all the aspirants before they made their final verdict.

Through the statement, Mohamed Jibrael professionals asked the clerics and other members of the Jibrael sub-clan to reject the decision.

“We beseech all members of Mohamed Jibrael especially the renown clerics led by Shueib and other Ulamaas to treat the decision made by the self- proclaimed committee as null & void,” the statement read.

The lobby said they will come up with “an inclusive transparent team which will vet the hopeful aspirants for Mandera North parliamentary seat.”

“The new team will announce the deserving flag-bearer of the family,” the statement read.

The lobby further requested all “Mandera North constituents not to attend any meeting planned or convened by the self-proclaimed committee.”

Mandera North constituency is now served by retired major Bashir Abdullah who is yet to comment on the verdict.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)