On Saturday, Abaas was presented with a certificate of endorsement by the Council of Elders from the Samawadhal community.
The ceremony took place at the residence of the community’s sultan.
Speaking
at a local hotel moments after the endorsement, several speakers said
that time has come for the community to go for the top seat.
Garissa,
just like the other pastoral counties in Northeastern, has a unique
political and social structure that is heavily influenced by clan
dynamics.
Since
the inception of devolution in 2013, the community, which is
predominant in Ijara subcounty, has always formed alliances with the
Awliyahan and the Abduwak, with the county seats distributed amongst the
clans.
In the last three elections, they have produced the deputy governor and the senator seat in line with the arrangement.
Community
elder Adow Jubat said for the first time, they had unanimously decided
to support one of their own for the top seat in the coming General
Election.
“In
Abaas, we see a visionary leader who will not only transform the county
but unite all communities residing in this cosmopolitan here,” he said.
“During
his tenure as MP, he consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to
public service, championed development projects and advocated for the
equitable distribution of resources across all communities.
“His
ability to bring people together, regardless of clan, ethnicity or
background, was instrumental in fostering peace and cooperation within
Ijara constituency and beyond.”
Abaas served as MP between 2013 and 2017 and as the county assembly speaker between 2017 and 2022.
Speaking at the ceremony, he thanked his community for the trust they had bestowed in him.
He acknowledged the history of power sharing they have benefited from but said they will not settle for senator or deputy again.
“I think time has come for my community to graduate to the next level,” he said.
He
said for 13 years since devolution began, the county has remained
behind in critical areas of development, from infrastructure and
healthcare to education and economic empowerment.
“I
decided to throw my hat into the race for the simple reason that since
the inception of devolution, there is absolutely no development for our
people. This is despite getting Sh114 billion from the Exchequer,” he
said.
“With
your support and guidance, I am committed to changing that narrative.
Together, we will usher in a new era of accountable leadership,
inclusive growth and sustainable progress.
“I
look forward to working hand in hand with every resident, young and
old,,,,, to unlock the full potential of our great county.”
