Mandera Governor Ali Roba has defied Garre elders' choice of candidates for different elective posts and unveiled Jubilee Party line for the region ahead of the August elections as political realignments continue to take shape.
The move comes after the elders have suggested their lineup run on the new Economic Freedom Party ticket, which Roba has termed as a dictatorial move meant to impose leaders on the people of this part of the nation.
Addressing the press in Mandera on Saturday, Roba said that majority of the aspirants eyeing different elective posts have already been given direct tickets by President Uhuru Kenyatta-led party before the next general polls.
“We have settled on the candidates who will vie on the Jubilee Party ticket, and there is no dispute” he said, as quoted by Star. He however said that they do not agree with the Mandera East list of candidates, adding that they are deliberating on the same.
“The only list we have not agreed on is for Mandera East, but we are still consulting and we hope to reach an agreement soon,” Roba said.
The elders line-up for the area is led by former Devolution and Planning ministry administrator Hassan Noor while the team unveiled by the incumbent governor is made up of Mohammed Arai from Mandera Township, who has been suggested as the running mate.
Mandera Deputy Governor Omar Mohammed opted to walk away from Roba’s side and joined the elders. The county boss team also includes Mandera West MP Mohamed Mohamud, Shaaban Isaack Mohamed Haji, Ethila Mohamud and Abdiaziz Abdille.
He further said that the elders should not choose leaders for the people of the region since their time is over.“We have seen those people from the elders’ line-up trying to make decisions for the people,” said Roba.
The county boss added: “But I am telling you there is nowhere in the world where all elected leaders are asked to leave office... all of them? It is not logical and it is not going to happen,” Governor Roba said.
[Mandera Governor Ali Roba at a past function. He has unveiled his own JP lineup] Photo/somaliagenda.com