The much-hyped negotiated democracy in Northern Kenya, where councils of elders endorse election aspirants continues to take shape ahead of the 2022 general elections.
In Wajir County, where the practice is prominent, already the local communities Degodia, Ogaden, and Ajuran have begun talks to share political posts among themselves.
An informal agreement drafted in the run-ups to the 2013 and 2017 general elections says that the dominant Degodia community lands the post of governor, leaving the posts of senator and deputy governor to be shared by Ogaden and Ajuran clans.
The Woman Representative being an affirmative position is left up for grabs among the three communities.
Already clan elders in the region have conducted the exercise in the run-up to the August 9 general election.
On Sunday, the Ajuran community which is the third-largest single voting bloc shelved their ambitions for the county governorship post and instead announced that the tribe will be going for Senatorial and Women Representative posts.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms on Sunday, Abass Abdullahi, the chairman of the Ajuran national council (ANC), and his counterpart Yusuf Ibrahim of the Ajuran Council of elders (ACE) said the decision was informed by extensive community engagement that has spanned months.
“The Ajuran community through its supreme organ the Ajuran national council (ANC) in concurrence with the Ajuran Council of elders (ACE) have resolved that the Ajuran community will contest for the county senator and women representative position,” the press statement read in part.
“The council reiterates its willingness to work with other communities and stakeholders in seeking these positions through inclusive partnerships for equity, peace, and prosperity by forming alliances across the board for the benefit of Wajir county residents,” it adds.
According to the elders, the resolution was a result of many engagement and forums including political leaders, opinion leaders, and professionals.
“The council will forthwith share its itinerary in the selection process for the said positions and the same shared with the public,” the elders held.
