Wardhei splinter group rejects endorsement of Nasir

A section of the Wardhei community in Tana River has said they do not have a preferred governor candidate.

Elder Abdiaziz Ibrahim said they have decided to back any candidate who will assure them that their interests will be met.

Ibrahim spoke to the press after a day-long meeting in Madogo, Garissa, on Monday. 

Last December, the council of elders endorsed Nuh Nasir as the community's sole gubernatorial candidate at a ceremony in Meti, the shrine of the Wardhei community.

The function was attended by hundreds of members of the community.

The community’s king Abdi Hassan who made the announcement said the process was transparent, free and fair.

However, Ibrahim said they have decided "to chart a new path".

“Yes we know one of our own was endorsed by the elders to go for the seat, unfortunately not all members were involved in the decision," he said.

However, Ibrahim said the elders decision should not in any way infringe on the people's right to choose the kind of leader they want.

On her part, Ambia Abdi said gone are the days when a community was told to rally behind their own’ for the sake of it.

She said democracy entails leaving people to elect a candidate that they deem fit to lead.

The leader, she says, must not be the one who comes from their community.

Ali Abdi, former Bura MP and speaker of the county assembly between 2013-2017 said time has come for community elders to stop endorsing candidates.

He said residents should elect leaders of their choice irrespective of the clan or sub clan an aspirant comes from.

Ali said his obligation is providing good leadership to his community and to the people of Tana River.

So far, the seat has attracted four aspirants Nuh Nasir, incumbent Dhadho Godhana, former governor Hussein Dado and Bura MP Ali Wario.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)