[Former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass taking an oath of office at a past function. He has been elected the county speaker.] (Photo/the-star.co.ke)
Former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass has been elected the new Garissa County speaker. The politician has pledged not only to be impartial but also respect the constitution.
His greatest opponent Former Balambala Abdikadir Aden conceded defeated after garnering 11 votes. Speaking upon his election, Abass said that he will serve the people of Garissa without fear or favor.
“We must be guided by the principals of good governance, democracy, patriotism, inclusivity as enshrined in our constitution,” Abass said, as Star.
Abass’ election has been attributed to the support he got from the Garissa Governor Ali Korane of Jubilee. The new speaker garnered 38 votes beating his competitor with 11 votes.
Former Fafi ward MCA Mustapha has also expressed interest in the post but he withdrew during the last minute.
On his part, immediate former speaker Mohamed Abbey opted not to defend his post for reasons well-known to himself.
The speaker’s race was influenced by political dynamics and clan including Abass’s clan (Samawathal) and Governor Korane (Abduwak).
The Talamuge pre-election alliance also played an influence. The voting exercise was undertaken by 48 MCAs, 30 of them elected and 15 nominated ones.