Siyad seeks Wiper ticket in Wajir governor contest

Wajir governor aspirant Siyad Abdullahi has joined Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper party.

Siyad said Wiper is the vehicle he will use to secure a better future for the people of Wajir.

The aspirant spoke on Saturday at the party headquarters where he was received by the Wiper leader.

Siyad said he had taken the decision after wide consultations with his supporters and opinion leaders from Wajir.

“I thank the party leader for welcoming me to this great party. It has managed to stay afloat through the years and grown to become one of the strongest and biggest parties in Kenya. I am proud to be associated with it,” he said.

On his part Kalonzo said Siyad will deliver the seat to the party describing him as ‘a young smart politician with a bright future’.

Initially there were fears that Siyad, a close ally of the ODM party leader Raila Odinga would square it up in the nomination with former governor Ahmed Abdullahi.

Siyad has been attending Azimio rallies, with the latest being the one held in Wajir where Raila introduced him as his former secretary in the USA.

Most aspirants in Wajir are seeking tickets under parties affiliated to the Azimio La Umoja movement.

None of the top six gubernatorial contenders have gone for parties in Kenya Kwanza.

The six include Governor Ahmed Muktar (Kanu), former governor Ahmed Abdullahi (ODM), Mohamed Elmi (Jubilee), Siyad Abdullahi (Wiper), Ugaas Sheikh (PNU) and Hassan Ibrahim (Jubilee).

Senator Abdullahi Ali is yet to announce which party he will be contesting on. 

Siyad said he seeks to correcting the many wrongs in the county so that residents can start enjoying the fruits of devolution.

He said if elected he will focus on four critical areas including finding a permanent source of water, improving healthcare, proper sewerage as well livestock marketing.

The aspirant said he will establish leather producing firms that will not only create jobs but also contribute to the county's economy.

Siyad has lived in the USA for more than 20 years and promises to use his networks and experience in getting jobs and scholarships for the youth.

He said the county has had serious challenges on waste management but he will ensure there is a proper sanitation programme and waste disposal system.

The aspirant also said if elected, he will put in place a team of retired CEOs to assess the health challenges in the county. 

He said he will ensure all essential drugs are available at the referral hospital.

Siyad said the recent leadership wrangles have stifled development progress.

“What we are seeing in Wajir is a big personality clash holding the county hostage and using public resources to settle personal scores. If elected, I will work with all leaders to avoid such,” he said.

The Wajir government has had leadership wrangles following the reinstatement of impeached Governor Mohamed Abdi by a three-judge bench.

The county is inhabited by the Degodia, Ogaden and Ajuran clans with the former being the majority.

The Degodia occupy Wajir East, Wajir West, Tarbaj and Eldas subcounties.

Abdullahi hails from Wajir West and has already been endorsed by his Mithimal and Matan sub clans as well as the Degodia community.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)