Don’t read too much into meetings with rivals — Siyad

Wajir governor aspirant Siyad Abdullahi has urged his supporters not to read too much into his meetings with competitors.

Siyad spoke on Monday while addressing his supporters in Wajir town. He also paid a a courtesy visit to former governor Mohamed Abdi to congratulate him on his reinstatement.

Also, recently while attending the ODM National Delegates Conference Siyad was pictured with the first Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi.

Their photos went viral on social media leading to rumours of a possible coalition between the two.

The two hail from Wajir West and are both from the larger Degodia clan. Siyad is from the Mithimal subclan while Ahmed is from the Matan sub clan. 

Siyad, a businessman who has worked and lived in the USA for close to 20 years, has already hit the campaign trail.

He said residents had been accustomed to conflict between political opponents but it is time the notion is changed.

“While attending the NDC earlier this week, I was approached by Ahmed. We had a friendly and polite chat as I always do with any leader who engages me,” Siyad said.

He said at no time did they discuss campaigns or candidacies.

“My approach is always that of tough competition but not enmity. This is my mantra and leadership style. I know that some people in Wajir might be confused with that a little bit," Siyad said.

The aspirant further said the photo was a polite gesture and no one should read much into it.

“My sincere and heartfelt commitment is to work  hard to get Wajir the most urgent and the much needed effective leadership that our people deserve,” he said.

Siyad said politics aside, it is very important for leaders to act in goodwill and in camaraderie. 

He said leaders ought to compete fairly and be gentle and kind to one another.

Siyad said if elected he will focus on four key areas. They include connecting residents to the national power grid, finding a permanent source of water, fixing sewer systems and livestock marketing.

The aspirant said he will set up leather producing firms to leverage on the vast livestock.

He said the firms will not only create jobs amongst residents but also contribute to the county's economy.

Others in the race are incumbent Ahmed Muktar, Mohamed Elmi, former governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Hassan Mohamed, Ugas sheikh and Senator Abdullahi Ali.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)