Clan affiliations have continued to hold sway in Garissa politics and it is now predicted that ethnicity will play a key role in shaping the race to the coveted position of county chief.
Aspirants have already stepped up their campaigns for the position. Rivals are on campaign mode with Ali Korane being the first aspirant to be nominated by his clan to oust incumbent Jama.
Mohammed Maulid Shurie and Harun Yussuf are reportedly working around the clock to have their respective clans crown them as their representation, a fact that has been widely faulted, especially in a county that has suffered under the watch of clan elders.
Jama on his extreme end has announced on defending the seat, stating that his projects need some time to reach completion. Keen observers of the county's politics prior to the 2013 elections say Jama was also nominated by this kinsmen to run for the top most elective post in the county.
In June this year, Garissa elders are reported to have met to discuss who between Korane and Shurie would vie for the governor’s seat currently held by Jama.
However, it is said the talks involving a team of representatives from the dominant Abudwak sub-clan of Ogaden were fruitless as to who will battle Jama come 2017.