General elections are fast approaching by each sunrise. There have seen unprecedented activities from aspirants, and as we tentatively move closer to 2017, it is my view that Garissa politicians get to think like brands for the sake of peace.
A stream of clan endorsements and counter endorsements, political rivalry and denunciations normally characterize such a time in the political calendar.
It is definitely a time of political harvest for development-minded leaders who have done all they could for the electorate. The fact that the ruling party and the opposition have agreed in unison that peaceful campaigns and elections is all the country needs, tribal affiliations may eventually derail the achievements that have so far embraced.
To be specific, Garissa County has in the past suffered at the hands of tribalism and clan-based conflicts. And in the past weeks, we have witnessed several aspirants running to their clans for support.
This is unhealthy. If the electorate chose leaders basing on ethnic, regional or community affiliation, then we will definitely have incompetent leaders most likely from the dominant camps.
Abduwak and Aulian clans are synonymous with such kind of politics. The latter feels that it amasses much following in the entire North Eastern region, holding pride of the fact that it has in the past given birth to successful politicians.
What will happen if the endorsements of such clans fail to sail through in elections? Will the community or relevant clans not come up to protest the results?
I feel political tribal debates have really debased what would otherwise be healthy campaigns in Garissa, and it is time that leaders conduct their manifesto trading with sober minds devoid of anything that resembles tribalism or clannism.