Former Environment CAS Elmi launches Wajir governor bid

Former Environment CAS Mohamed Elmi has officially launched his Wajir governorship bid.

Elmi said he intends to use his experience in the civil service to transform the county.

The former CAS spoke on Sunday while addressing his supporters in Wajir town.

Elmi had in 2013 announced that he was retiring from politics after serving for two terms as Tarbaj MP.

He however said devolution is not working and this has forced him to change his mind. "I am here to announce that I am back.” 

The former CAS said corruption is the main challenge facing devolution in the region adding that he looks forward to tackling it.

“Unfortunately, while devolution has worked for other counties where there is prudent use of resources that benefit wananchi, in our county it is the opposite,” he said.

The former CAS said since devolution came into place there is absolutely nothing to show for the billions allocated to the county.

“What is happening is that corruption has been left to thrive with kickbacks becoming the order of the day," he said.

Elmi said it has got to a point where for one to be awarded a contract and subsequently get paid, you have to pat with ten per cent. "These are the kind of things that we must correct.”

He said if elected, each subcounty will be well equipped and all functions decentralised including awarding of tenders and contracts.

The former CAS said the current arrangement where one has to be close to the governor or his relative in order to be given a contract or a tender will be a thing of the past.

He said tenders will be done in an open and transparent manner.

“We have seen instances where people are always looking for the governor for favours. Even when a boreholes breaks down in the subcounty, the governor is sought to fix it," Elmi said.

This, he said, shouldn’t be happening when there is a government in place with officials delegated to such kind of works.

Elmi who will be contesting on a Jubilee party ticket said his supporters should carry a peaceful campaign devoid of name calling, incitement and fighting.

The Azimio brigade led by ODM leader Raila Odinga is set to visit Wajir county on March 9, to popularise his bid.

Elmi said his supporters and those of his opponents should put their differences aside, remain peaceful and welcome the leaders.

Wajir is inhabited by the Degodia, Ogaden and the Ajuran clans. Degodia is the majority. They occupy Wajir East, Wajir West, Tarbaj and Eldas.

Elmi, former governor Moahmed Abdi, Dr Haasan Mohamed and Ugas sheikh all come from the Fai sub clan of the Degodia.

Others in the race are first wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi, incumbent Governor Ahmed Muktar and Senator Abdullahi Ali.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)