Hon. Mustafa Abdirashid Ahmed MCA Iftin and current Deputy Speaker of Garissa County Assembly./COURTERSYOn the 13th of September 2025, Garissa witnessed history in the making.
In an event filled with colour, pomp, and unmeasured joy, former Governor Ali Bunow Qorane was unveiled as the sole Abdwaq gubernatorial candidate for 2027 and officially welcomed back as the people’s choice.
Over 12,000 residents thronged the Mnara grounds, their voices blending in unison as they celebrated a leader they deeply love and trust.
The excitement was overwhelming, the mood electric, and the verdict clear, if elections were called that day, Ali Bunow Qorane would emerge victorious without contest.
This moment did not come overnight. For four months, the Abdwaq community embarked on a rigorous and transparent process through the Geed, a traditional system of consultation and consensus.
Out of five prominent applicants; Mohamed Moulid Shurie, Mohamed Mahat Sabul, Abdullahi Gure Farah, Ambassador Abdiqani Dubat Fidhow, and Governor Ali Bunow Qorane a 28-member committee was tasked with choosing one sole candidate.
This committee, composed of respected former leaders like Hon. Hussein Maalim, Hon. I M Salat, Hon. Shill, Hon. Abdinur, Hon. Sugow, Mr. Noor Bare, Commissioner Kassim M Farah and Mr. Osman Aden alongside seven top ulumas, seven elders, and seven youth representatives, deliberated with wisdom and unity.
In the end, their choice was unanimous. Ali Bunow Qorane stood out as the leader with unmatched experience, a proven record, and the trust of the people.
His name was handed to the spiritual custodian, Boghor Deqow Stambul, who blessed the decision and issued a certificate of endorsement.
With that, the Abdwaq sealed their unity and declared Qorane their sole flag bearer for 2027. It was not just an endorsement; it was a covenant between a leader and his people, a sign of collective resolve that the Abdwaq stand as one behind their son.
The unveiling event was a spectacle never before seen in Garissa. It was attended by national and county leaders of the highest calibre.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership turned up in full force, led by party chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, and Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar, who formally awarded Qorane his party certificate.
Also present were Senate Majority Leader Senator Aron Koech, Senator Mungatana, Balambala MP Hon. Shurie, Tana River Woman Representative, Hon. Falhada, EALA, Party CEO Mr. Bore, Belgut MP Hon. Koech, and many other dignitaries.
Locally, the Abdwaq MCAs led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Mustafa, alongside revered elders and former leaders under Hon. I. M. Salat, stood shoulder to shoulder with Qorane. It was more than a political rally; it was a declaration of love, faith, and destiny.
Why does Qorane inspire such devotion?
The answer lies in his record. During his time as governor, he delivered projects that changed lives and gave Garissa a new face.
The Qorahey Market, the modern County Headquarters, the beautiful County Assembly, and the Regional Cancer Centre remain lasting monuments to his vision.
He initiated the Maramtu water project, laid down bitumen-standard roads, empowered women and youth with seed money and jobs, and established bursaries for thousands of students.
Farmers will never forget his support, which allowed them to keep producing despite tough times. His tenure was a season of growth and transformation, and his legacy is etched in every corner of Garissa. But Qorane is not just a leader of projects, he is a man of honour and experience.
A former officer in the military, a Deputy Provincial Commissioner, and a Permanent Secretary, he understands government at every level. He combines discipline, service, and humility in a way that few leaders do. The people remember him not as a ruler but as a servant, a leader who walked with them, listened to them, and worked tirelessly for them.
That is why his return is being called a comeback driven by destiny, a wind that cannot be stopped. For Garissa, his unveiling was more than just politics, it was hope reborn. The crowd that gathered on that Saturday saw in him a future of unity, progress, and renewed leadership.
They saw a leader who has already proven himself and is ready once again to lift Garissa higher. They saw their pride, their voice, their choice.
The Abdwaq have spoken with one voice, and their message is clear: Ali Bunow Qorane is not just their candidate, he is Garissa’s hope.
As the sun set on that historic day, chants of his name echoed across the town, and the smiles of men, women, and youth told the story better than words could. Qorane’s return has reignited belief, restored confidence, and given the people of Garissa a leader to rally behind.
The journey to 2027 has begun, and with the unity of the Abdwaq and the love of the people, Ali Bunow Qorane stands tall as the man to beat. For many, the question is no longer whether he will win; it is how big the victory will be. Garissa has seen leaders come and go, but few leave a mark deep enough to inspire such loyalty years later.
Ali Bunow Qorane is one of them. His story is not just of a former governor seeking office again, it is the story of a leader returning to fulfill a mission, a leader who carries the dreams of his people, and a leader who has already proven that he can deliver. His comeback is not just awaited; it is celebrated.
Ali Bunow Qorane is more than a candidate; he is the people’s choice, the Abdwaq pride, and Garissa’s hope.
The writer is the MCA for Iftin Ward and current Deputy Speaker of Garissa County Assembly
