Isiolo Jubilee governor candidate Abdi Hassan Guyo is seeking to succeed Mohammed Kuti.
Others in the race include former Governor Godana Doyo, former EACC boss Halakhe Dida of ODM and Kimaita Machuguma of Safina party.
While choosing his running mate, Guyo, who is Nairobi’s Majority leader, went after the 11,000 Turkana votes by picking James Lowasa.
During an interview with the Star on Sunday, Guyo said he was ready for elections and optimistic he will win .
1. Do you regret leaving Nairobi?
It wasn’t an easy choice to make, trust me… I had other plans, and everything was going on well. I wanted to continue my leadership roles in the city in a different capacity as Embakasi Central MP. However, I believe Allah had other plans for me. I am here and ready to serve my home county.
2.Having served Matopeni for 15 years, and Majority leader for five years, how do you think the experience has best placed you to lead Isiolo?
I have served as an MCA for 10 years and was among the youngest councillors before devolution came in. On top of that I served as the Minority leader in the first County Government and I’m currently the Majority leader. These are not positions given to anybody.
In the last five years, I have led an assembly with 122 MCAs, Jubilee being the majority. If the president needs issues to be addressed, the Majority leader is the contact person.
In this position, you also oversee a multi-ethnic city with close to five million people. I have acquired the skills of servant-leadership, teamwork, decisiveness and listening, which I believe will place me best to take over as the third governor of Isiolo.
3.How different are campaigns/politics in Isiolo compared to Nairobi?
Tribalism is a key issue in Isiolo politics. We have certain tribes who see themselves as superior and believe they have to always be in leadership. This is different in Nairobi because I have served as an MCA in an area dominated by the Kikuyu and the Kamba communities.
Campaigns in Isiolo, unlike Nairobi, are not interrupted by traffic flow. In Isiolo people want to hear your plan, they want to know what you intend to do for them in various sectors that affect their daily lives and to explain this, you are even forced to extend your campaigns until late at night unlike in Nairobi where between 5pm and 6pm campaigns are over.
4.In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing people of Isiolo?
Insecurity is the biggest problem and has resulted in perennial banditry attacks often leading to stolen animals and killing of people.
Lack of title deeds, especially in Isiolo Central, has continued to hinder development due to numerous legal battles. There is also tribalism, where certain tribal alliances have been engineered to lock out some tribes in county leadership. These will also make my key focus areas, if elected.
5.You were endorsed by the incumbent. Do you think this worked in your favour or against you?
I wouldn’t say it has worked against me, unless that is how some people feel but this is someone who has been there, he knows the problems people of Isiolo are facing and in his opinion, I am the person better placed to take the people of Isiolo county to the promised land. I had other plans, but when the people of Isiolo came calling, I could not let them down. This is my home.
6.What’s your take on the recent polls, which have placed your main opponent ahead of you in popularity?
These are just opinion polls. You cannot say talking to 150 people can translate to the views of about 300,000 people who reside in Isiolo. In this country, we have seen opinion polls placing people ahead, but when the real election comes, they lose by big margins. I am on the ground and I know the people of Isiolo believe in me. They called and I listened.
7. Do you believe you are the change Isiolo deserves?
100 per cent and that is why I took up the mantle and I will become the first MCA to win a Governor’s seat. Watch this space.
8.What legacy do you think you’ve left in Nairobi?
Being in leadership, you have allies and enemies. The position I hold is not a bed of roses and you might be forced to step on people from time to time but it’s for a good cause at the end. I believe I have demonstrated servant leadership, [been a] decisive leader and a problem solver.
9.If you lose, what would be your next course of action?
In every battle there is a winner and a loser and I know in the political arena nothing is 100 per cent sure. If I lose, which I know I won't, it is not the end of political life. Other than politics I have businesses and other things that will occupy my time on.
10.Being a confidant of President Uhuru Kenyatta, what will you remember him for?
President Uhuru is a man who loves peace and I will remember him as a problem solver. He intervened when Nairobi was on a life line and he has been able to return its dignity in just less than 28 months. He is also a very caring man and I respect him not only as a friend but as the President who shaped Nairobi.
11.Your last words to Isiolo residents ahead of the elections?
Despite being in leadership for 15 years in Nairobi, I’m no stranger to Isiolo. I have sold my manifesto and I leave it to the voters to believe in my leadership and my plan for the. We can end insecurity. We can have lands titled and have an inclusive government. If you give me this opportunity, you will not regret it and above all, let peace prevail during this election period.
Edited by SKanyara
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