There have been long rumors of a simmering conflict between Garissa Township Member of Parliament Aden Duale and his governor, Ali Bunow Korane.
That simmering conflict long hidden from public view burst into the open as Duale fired a series of salvos at the embattled Korane last week.
In a hard-hitting Facebook post, the outspoken legislator accused the Garissa leadership of engaging in a blame game in stead of focusing on service delivery.
"Blame doesn’t inspire, it breeds malcontent and discord. If trust is the cornerstone of leadership, then blame can only be viewed as the corrosive behavior that eats away at the foundation. Don’t be the “Teflon” leader who worries about what might stick – be the mature leader who takes the hit, deals with the issue, and moves forward with character. Lead – don’t blame…" Duale's post read in part.
Duale's post came after protests against him were reported in Garissa, and after the governor led a meeting with elders in which the majority leader was roundly castigated.
This move by the governor to take on Duale, an experienced political operator, could turn out to be a fatal political mistake.
To govern smoothly, the governor requires the goodwill of Duale in order to deliver on his mandate.
In 2022, as he will be seeking re-election, Duale's support will come in handy, but with tensions between the two, the lawmaker might decide to support Korane's opponent which could leave the governor politically wounded.
Duale has been known to viciously take on his opponents and destroy their political futures.
Korane should tread carefully.