Garissa Governor Ali Korane. He thanked former Governor Nathif Jama for dropping petition challenging his victory. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Garissa Governor Ali Korane on Tuesday expressed his gratitude towards former Governor Nathif Jama for withdrawing an election petition against him.
Last week, elders from Mr. Jama’s clan, said they have spoken to Mr. Jama and agreed that he will withdraw his petition challenging Korane’s victory in the August elections.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Garissa town, Mr. Korane who welcomed the move said it will bring communities together especially now that elections are over.
The governor said the agreement will help unite communities that had been divided along political lines because of the protracted election campaigns adding that they will focus on promoting peace and co-existence.
Mr. Korane who dismissed claims that the former governor was under intense pressure to drop the case said he made the decision on his own wisdom in the interest of the people of Garissa.
“I want to make it clear there was no inducement from me or any quarters, nor was there any pressure for Nathif to drop the case.”
“We want to focus our energy on bringing residents together irrespective of their political persuasions. We will bring on board sultans of major clans, elders, women, clerics, the disabled and the youth,” he said.
Last week, the elders said the decision to withdraw the case was for the sake of peace and stability of the county adding that the petition had attracted a lot of attention that had, in turn, generated a lot of tension.
Mr. Jama had filed a petition at the Garissa High Court challenging the election of Governor Korane saying the August 8 elections was flawed and characterized by massive irregularities.