Battle to replace Duale begins as aspirants declare interest

Three days after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula wrote to the poll agency declaring Garissa Township seat vacant, aspirants have hit the road running seeking clearance and support from clan elders as well as electorates.

The seat was left vacant after the MP Aden Duale was sworn in as Defence Cabinet secretary.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has slated the by-election for Garissa and Kandara constituencies for January 5, 2023.

Rtd Major Mohammed Barow Dekow, who unsuccessfully contested for Garissa governor seat on UDA ticket, has declared interest to replace Duale.

Dekow was a distant third with 13,602 votes in the governorship election won by Nathif Jama of ODM who garnered 69,342 votes. Former governor Ali Korane managed a paltry 26,148.

On Saturday, Dekow declared his interest in the seat bringing to an end speculations whether he would be in the race or not.

Dekow, while meeting Garissa teachers during KUPPET's annual general meeting, said his focus was to improve the education standards in the area which has been posting poor results in the national exams.

“As you all know I contested for the governorship in the last general election but it din't work. I had a very bright idea of what I wanted to do for the people of Garissa but I was not successful. But now it is another opportunity for me to try my luck again. I am officially declaring my interest that I am in the race for the Garissa Township parliamentary seat,” he said.

“I believe it is still the same because at the end of the day what we are all looking for is to offer leadership at whatever level, to see whether we can improve the lives of our people in which ever position that is available, we want to see whether we can have an impact to the society as leaders,” he said.

He added, “I am not new to you. I have met some of you during the campaigns and you know what I stood for and so I want to appeal first and foremost for your votes and secondly be my ambassadors and help me propagate some of the things I stood for.”

Another contestant eying the MP seat is Suleiman Salat who unsuccessfully vied for Galbet MCA seat on UDA ticket in the August poll.

The 21-year-old has met his clan elders who have okayed him to run for the seat.

He says he will champion the rights of the youths and the poor.

He opposed the delocalisation of teachers saying it will erode the quality of education in Kenya.

Negotiated democracy will play a key role in the up coming Garissa Township by-elections where clan elders will settle on who to succeed Duale.

Duale who remains a powerful figure in Garissa politics has not yet declared the candidate whom he will support with political observers opining that whoever he supports will have a clear head start against his competitors.

Others who have shown interest are Abdi Nasir Dolal commonly known as Jofle who come second with 5,552, and Abdullahi Gabane who managed 5,552.

Others are former Iftin ward MCA Mohamed Gabow and former Woman Representative aspirant Mulki Warsame.

-Edited by SKanyara