UDA bigwigs endorse Korane for Garissa top seat in 2027

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has endorsed former Garissa governor Ali Korane as its candidate for the county’s top seat in the 2027 general election.

Korane was officially presented with the UDA certificate by Secretary General Hassan Omar during a ceremony at Mnara School grounds.

The endorsement effectively positions Korane as the party’s flagbearer for Garissa.

Korane, who previously lost to incumbent Governor Nathif Jama while contesting on a Jubilee Party ticket, thanked UDA for its support, saying his campaign to recapture the seat had officially begun.

“I have today officially launched my bid for governor of Garissa County, a journey not about me but about us, our children and the generations to come. This is a call to action to unite once again, to restore hope and to carry forward the vision we built together,” Korane said.

“Let us rise above divisions, let us choose progress over stagnation, and let us recommit to the dream of a better, stronger and united Garissa County. We all have a role to play in laying a strong foundation for a brighter, more prosperous Garissa, one built on unity, equity and service to all.”

Korane pledged to engage residents across the county. “From Garissa Township, Balambala, Lagdera, Dadaab, Fafi, Hulugho, to Ijara, we will listen to your hopes and concerns and together, shape a future that leaves no one behind,” he said.

UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the party is committed not only to President William Ruto’s re-election but also to securing majority seats across the country.

“By having Korane as our candidate in the 2027 general election, we are fielding strong candidates across all elective seats. We call on the electorate to back his bid,” Mbarire, who is also the governor of Embu, said.

Secretary General Omar urged residents of northern Kenya to rally behind Ruto’s re-election, noting that the President had invested in infrastructure, education, security, and economic empowerment in the region.

“As a region that has been marginalised for decades by successive governments, northern Kenya has every reason to support Ruto’s administration,” Omar said.

The event concluded with the endorsement of Korane by the Abudwak Council of Elders, representing the seven sub-clans of the community: Rer Yahya, Rer Gulled, Rer Kassim, Rer Musa, Adhan Geri, Rer Mahat, Rer Harun, and Rer Daud.

Other UDA leaders present included Deputy Party Leader Issa Timamy, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, EALA MP Falhada Iman, Tana River politician Amina Dika, and Balambala MP Abdi Omar Shurie, alongside religious leaders and local residents.

UDA party chairperson and Embu Governor Cicily Mbarire speaking in Garissa.