Negotiated democracy continues to dominate Northern Kenya

So powerful are the clan elders that they would determine who becomes a leader and in what capacity.

A perfect example is the recent endorsement of former Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi by 10 sub clans of the dominant Degodia clan in the county.

In Wajir county politics revolves around the Degodia, Ogaden and Ajuran clans.

The 10 Degodia sub clans that endorsed Abdullahi include gelible, masare, jibrail, dumaal, fardanow, abrisha, idiris and raqay of the dominant Degodia clan.

The endorsement excluded the Fai community which has lined up at least three candidates for the same seat.

They are Ugas Sheikh Mohamed, Nairobi South Hospital proprietor Hassan Mohamed and Environment CAS Mohamed Elmi.

“Cognizant of the political atmosphere in the country, we the Mantaan community nominate, the first governor of Wajir Ahmed Abdullahi, as our gubernatorial candidate for the 2022 general elections,” Abdirashid Salat, a spokesman of the Mantaan Council of Elders, the sub clan that Abdullahi comes from said  after a five hour meeting. 

“Having being long supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), we have also agreed to support the Presidential candidacy of Raila Amollo Odinga to be our president,” he added.

“I have promised my people progressive and transparent service delivery if elected Wajir County Governor in 2022.  I will forever be grateful of their unconditional support,” Abdullahi said following his endorsement.

He is now expected to form coalitions with other major clans in the county in his quest to once again to the county’s top seat.