Elders and professionals reconcile Marsabit leaders

Marsabit county Governor Mohamud Ali ( UDM) and Women Representative Naomi Jillo Wako ( UDA) have now agreed to set aside their political differences and work together for the sake of the people.

The two leaders who met on Friday promised to set aside party-political issues and focus on development.

The second-term governor had come under sharp criticism from the opposition, but the political rivals are now coming out to support his development agenda.

The Borana council of elders and professionals spearheaded reconciliation.

Speaking at a meeting organized by elders and professionals, the two leaders said their priority is to serve the electorates and bring change for prosperity.

"Our focus now is working together as marsabit leaders to deliver effective services to our people," they said

Governor Mohamud Ali said the election period is over and leaders must work seamlessly to deliver services to the people they made promises about during the campaign period.

He maintained that party politics won't help and should have no room in the region.

The governor said it doesn't matter whether one was elected through a certain political party, saying what the electorates want is only development.

"We were all elected to offer services to the people. Campaigns are over and we need to forget party politics and instead work for the common citizens," said Governor Mohamud

He called for the unity of all leaders in the county in order to help his administration to fast-track development and promote peace and cohesion.

He said as leaders, they must ensure county service delivery is enhanced and the challenges facing the people like poverty are effectively addressed.

The Governor emphasised on shunning divisive politics for the county's meaningful development as he asked leaders from the county to respect each other and speak in one voice.

"If I have done something wrong, call me aside as your leader and tell me what is wrong instead of going to the public podium," he said

The county boss stressed the need for the leaders to close ranks and work together in unity for the progress of the county and the future of its people.

"The county cannot achieve meaningful development without elected leaders working together. The leaders should work together for the common good of our people," he added

He promised that he is ready and willing to work with all leaders in the county for the best interest of the electorates, assuring that his administration will continue investing in development projects that are set to raise the living standards of the citizens.

Governor Mohamud said the local population had high expectations from them and pegged their hope on their leaders for effective service delivery intended to improve the country's development.

"Development projects, not anything else will change the livelihood of our people. We should not allow division amongst ourselves," said Governor

He said that a backdoor channel was always available for leaders to sort out their differences and paving way for formal talks.

Marsabit Women Representative Naomi Jillo Wako promised to closely work with the governor to spearhead development in the county.

She said there is no need for enmity and leaders entrusted by the people to lead, have to focus on the unity of the county for a common course to serve the people.

She appealed for an end to politics of hatred for a cohesive county.

"Let us not put our politics on the basis of hatred and embrace unity and peace," she said

The Deputy chief whip urged county leaders to bury their political affiliation and initiate peace talks and work together for the people they represent to get the services they need.

She said despite being voted on different party tickets with the governor, she will work closely with governor Mohamud-led administration to improve the lives of the locals who voted for them.

"Don't worry our governor, politics are things of the past. I will work with you to make our county great," said the Deputy chief whip

She further urged leaders to shun politics of name-calling and pointing fingers at each other saying the insults and hatred cause more harm than good.

She said if the county fails to deliver, all elected leaders are accountable, adding that insulting the governor and his administration is like undermining the entire county leadership.

The elders led by their chairman Wario Agal, who has been at the forefront in championing leader unity, said the elder's and professionals' mission is to preach love and togetherness among the leaders and communities in the county.

He called on marsabit leaders to unite and save the region from the problems it is currently facing and said their division will affect the country's development.

Wario urged politicians from the county to set aside their political differences to foster development that is derailing economically, with the majority of the population ailing in poverty.

"Poverty in the county is visible and is now at an alarming stage owing to the prolonged dry season. People only chat about the politics of disunity," said  the chairman

The community elder noted that they will try to reach out to all leaders for a single goal of development and unity.

"We are talking to our leaders with the main purpose of ensuring that the community is united in confronting the challenges facing our people," he said

Community elder Gurach Galgallo commended the elders and professionals for spearheading the leader's unity, reiterating that unity among leaders will help promote development and cohesiveness.

He said disunity and insults by the leaders will not bring any development to the region, rather it will make the country lag behind and asked other leaders to emulate Naomi's love for her people and work together with the governor for the region's meaningful development.