Former MP Omar Maalim endorsed for Mandera East comeback bid

The endorsement was made during a meeting attended by community elders, political leaders and professionals, in what supporters described as an effort to rally the community behind a single candidate ahead of the elections.

Sultan Mohamud Khalif, representing the larger Weytan Murule community, declared his support for Maalim and called for unity behind his candidature.

“We have made our position clear. We are endorsing Omar to represent Mandera East and we want our people to remain united behind this decision,” Khalif said.

Among those present at the meeting were family chairman Musa Osman, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) director and board member Mohamed Maalim Kulmiye and retired senior chief Birik Aftin.

The endorsement gives Maalim an early declaration of support as political realignments begin to take shape in Mandera County ahead of the 2027 polls.

Maalim is the immediate former MP for Mandera East and currently serves as the Speaker of the Mandera County Assembly.

He was first elected to Parliament in 2013 on a URP ticket before serving as Mandera County's first Deputy Governor in charge of devolution.

His public service career also includes participation in a Kenya Police peace mission to Kosovo.

Rivals question endorsement

The endorsement has, however, drawn objections from Maalim's political rivals, who have questioned whether the meeting represented a binding decision by the wider Weytan Murule community.

The opponents argue that the declaration should not be interpreted as a universally accepted community position, with the constituency expected to witness competing political alignments as the 2027 elections approach.

Maalim's supporters, on the other hand, view the meeting as an indication that influential community leaders are backing his efforts to return to Parliament.

The competing positions underline the political significance of community leadership and negotiations in Mandera, where clan and community interests can influence political alliances and candidate selection.

Maalim eyes comeback

Maalim's potential comeback bid places him at the centre of the emerging political contest for Mandera East.

His supporters are expected to highlight his experience in Parliament, the county executive and the county assembly as they seek to build support for his candidature.

The latest endorsement is therefore likely to be an early marker in what could become a wider contest involving competing candidates, community interests and political alliances.

For now, Maalim has secured a public declaration of support from Sultan Mohamud Khalif and leaders who attended the meeting, while his rivals continue to challenge the extent to which the endorsement represents the wider community.

With the 2027 General Election still ahead, the Mandera East contest is already beginning to take shape.