- Muktar seeks the governor seat which he held for nine months following the impeachment of his boss Mohamed Abdi, who has since been reinstated.
- Muktar recently switched to Ruto's UDA party after a short stint with Kanu, which is under the Azimio movement.
Deputy President William Ruto is relying on Deputy Governor Ahmed Muktar to deliver Wajir votes during the August polls.
Other top political figures in Wajir have thrown their weight behind ODM leader Raila Odinga leaving Muktar alias Werar as the DP's point man.
Muktar recently switched to Ruto's UDA party after a short stint with Kanu, which is under the Azimio movement.
He is moving fast to capitalise on the opportunity to not only market himself but Ruto as well.
Last week while on tour in Wajir, Ruto introduced Muktar to the crowd and appealed to them to vote for him.
He was accompanied by several local leaders including Garissa Township MP Aden Duale and Wajir West MP Ahmed Kolosh.
Muktar who comes from the Ogaden clan that is predominantly in Wajir South seeks the governor seat.
He held the seat for nine months following the impeachment of his boss Mohamed Abdi, who has since been reinstated by the courts.
Going by the clan matrix, the county is inhabited by the major clans of Degodia, Ajuran and Ogaden.
IEBC data indicates that Wajir South has 65,000 registered voters out of the 205,000 in the county.
This makes Wajir South the largest single voting bloc constituency in the county.
Muktar said that the region will fully back Ruto, describing him as the most suitable candidate who is better placed to address the myriad of challenges facing residents.
The deputy governor spoke last Thursday during a rally at Orahey grounds.
“I am back in UDA and I feel very much at home. This is where I truly belong and where my heart is. We will mount vigorous campaigns for the DP to ensure he gets the biggest chunk of votes,” he said.
Muktar said once elected, Ruto should address water, infrastructure and connection the national power grid.
During the tour, Ruto rallied Wajir residents to support his Kenya Kwanza coalition, saying Azimio La Umoja is a state project.
He said he will support farming in the semi-arid lands by providing sources of water and pasture.
“We have enough livestock in this region and we plan to invest heavily in agriculture so that lives can change,” Ruto said.
The DP also said by December every Kenyan will be benefiting from the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
He said Northeastern has been lagging behind because of a few individuals who want the region to remain in a sorry state.
Ruto also said the Isiolo - Mandera highway needs to be upgraded.
He further said Sh5 billion for the Wajir water and sewerage project is ready and only needs local commitment.
To end power outages in Wajir, the DP said he will ensure the county is connected to the national grid.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)