Garissa governor race shifts focus to Ijara swing votes

Governor Ali Korane and former governor Nathif Jama have taken their campaigns to Ijara, Garissa, to woo the swing vote.

The 2017 IEBC data shows that the constituency had about 32,000 registered voters. 

The constituency is found in the southern part of Garissa and is inhabited by the Samawadhal clan.

In terms of clan matrix, the Samawadhal have always acted as the swing votes.

On Monday, Korane who hails from the Awdhaq clan started his three-day campaign in the constituency which stretches to the border town of Holugho.

This follows Jama's charm offensive barely two weeks ago. The former governor hails from the Aulihan clan.

Korane who opened the Masalani county lodge and office complex said his administration has invested in several flagship projects which he will continue if re-elected.

The governor was accompanied by his Deputy Abdi Dagane.

He said the support he got from the residents of Masalani during the last general election and the reception signifies confidence in his leadership and government.

"You have sent a clear message to everyone propagating a false narrative that Ijara is sealed for them,” Korane said.

Korane also met representatives from various sub clans of the larger Samawadhal clans and later engaged them in town hall meetings in Masalani town

The governor said he will fulfill their promises in his second term if elected.

Jama also chose to visit Masalani as his first town after being endorsed by his clan as its sole candidate.

This is after Kenyan envoy to Botswana and former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye stepped down in his favor.

Jama said he is confident that the community will overwhelmingly back his bid to recapture the seat he lost in 2017.

He said the several projects that he had helped initiate in water, education and health sectors were a testament to his development record.

The former governor said forming a strong alliance with the community will help his team win the seat.

“As you are all aware I am in Azimio that is being spearheaded by Raila Odinga. Senator Abdul Haji is also part of this winning team.

"We are in talks and soon we will have a breakthrough that will see us make a formal announcement of the alliance,” Jama said.

Senator Abdul Haji said various clans are in talks with the community for possible partnerships.

The senator spoke during his endorsement for a second term by his Sawadhal community.

He said the elders will look into possible political coalitions.

In the 2017 elections, the Samawadhal formed a coalition with Abduwak called the Tolomoge Alliance.

In the alliance, Samawadhal clan supported Korane’s gubernatorial bid in exchange of the senatorial and deputy governor seats.

The Awdhaq had also women representatives. All the seats were won on Jubilee tickets.

Observers are also keen on who the aspirants choose to deputise them. 

Former deputy governor Abdullahi Hussein who has aligned himself to Korane comes from the larger Hassan Abdikarim sub clan.

The current, Abdi Dagane who at one time fell out with Korane comes from Rer Mohamed.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)