Korane calls for clan unity in Garissa as he eyes 2027 political comeback

Speaking during a fundraising event for Nanighi Mosque and Tahfidh Madrasa in Garissa County, Korane appealed to residents to put aside political and clan differences and work towards the county's development.

The former governor, who is seeking to reclaim the seat he lost in the 2022 General Election, also encouraged eligible residents to register as voters ahead of the polls.

Korane further rallied support for President William Ruto's re-election bid, arguing that Garissa and the wider region had benefited from more development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration than under previous governments.

Turning to his gubernatorial ambitions, Korane identified education, healthcare and youth empowerment as key priorities should he secure a second term in office.

He said his administration would focus on strengthening healthcare services, improving access to education and creating opportunities for young people to become economically independent.

Korane served as Garissa's second governor between 2017 and 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Nathif Jama, who returned to the county's top seat.

During his tenure, his administration pursued several development initiatives targeting healthcare, early childhood education and water provision.

Among the projects Korane previously highlighted were the operationalisation of intensive care and renal units at Garissa Referral Hospital, which he said reduced the need for patients to travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

His administration also undertook the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms and recruited teachers in an effort to strengthen foundational learning across the county.

In the water sector, Korane's administration implemented the Kasha Water Supply project, co-funded by UNICEF, to improve access to clean water for residents of Kasha and neighbouring settlements.

His latest appeal for unity mirrors efforts during his tenure to promote inclusivity in county leadership.

In 2021, the Kenya News Agency reported that senior positions in the Garissa County Government had been distributed among different clans following consultations with community elders.

Korane has previously acknowledged shortcomings during his first term, saying lessons from his administration would inform his approach to governance if elected again.

In an interview with The Star, the former governor indicated that he would prioritise strengthening referral and sub-county hospitals while promoting economic opportunities for young people beyond employment in county government.

His renewed political activities come as aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with Korane seeking to convince voters to give him another opportunity to lead Garissa County.