I see God's hand in my victory, says Lagdera MP-elect

Lagdera MP-elect Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed says he sees the hand of God in his victory.

Abdikadir, who contested under the ODM party, got 5,939 votes beating three opponents.

They include Abdiqani Zeitun who got 4,863 votes and incumbent Mohamed Hire of Kanu who was third with 3,277 votes.

In Northeastern, clan plays a major role in election and mostly candidates who come from clans with numerical strength always win seats.

The predominant Awlihan clan in Lagdera has Rer Ali, Rer Afuwah, Rer Kassim and the Afgab sub clans.

Abdikadir and Hire come from the Rer Ali sub clan but from different sub sections.

In terms of clan matrix, the MP-elect comes from the minority sub section.

Abdikadir who is the only MP elected on the ODM party in Garissa county said his victory is dedicated it to the constituents.

"Clans plays a role in the politics of the region but constituents elected me despite coming from a small sub clan. This is a big statement in itself. I don't have enough words to thank them," he said on Friday.

Abdikadir said top on his list of priorities is to tackle issues of insecurity, brought about by border conflicts with the neighboring Isiolo county and water scarcity.

“The perennial border conflicts with our neighbors from Isiolo is something that has gone on for far too long. The end result has been hundreds of innocent lives lost, property worth millions destroyed and animals stolen,” he said.

The MP-elect said the bone of contention is the border and fight over scarce resources.

“I believe if we come together as leaders, an amicable solution will definitely be found,” he said.

Abdikadir said unity and cooperation between relevant authorities including the national government, is key in resolving the conflict.

He also said he will work closely with the two sets of government for a permanent solution to water scarcity.

“It's unfortunate that in this day and age our people are still struggling to get such a basic commodity and being forced to trek long distances in search of it.

"We need to engage the relevant authorities for more boreholes and mega dams, that will store rain water for a longer period,” Abdikadir said.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)