Defiant Mandera residents want elders removed over decision to bar leaders

What you need to know:

  • The governor's supporters who shouted "Roba Tosha" asked him to defy the elders and seek another term.
  • In August, the elders who met in Banisa resolved that Mr Roba, Senator Billow Kerrow, four MPs and 18 ward representatives should not vie for another term.
  • However, only Mr Kerrow has publicly announced he would abide by the decision.

Mandera residents have continued to defy the Garre Council of Elders’ decision to bar elected leaders from the community from seeking re-election in next year's polls.

During Governor Ali Roba's tour of 32 health facilities in county that ended Monday, some of locals also pushed for the ouster of the elders.

Mr Roba visited four sub-county headquarters.

He was also in Rhamu, Wargadud, Elwak, Shimbil Fatuma, Takaba, Dandu, Gether and Burduras.

The governor's supporters who shouted "Roba Tosha" asked him to defy the elders and seek another term.

In August, the elders who met in Banisa resolved that Mr Roba, Senator Billow Kerrow, four MPs and 18 ward representatives should not vie for another term.

However, only Mr Kerrow has publicly announced he would abide by the decision.

The other MPs and ward reps are said to be discussing their next move with a number keen on vying in 2017 polls.

The public outcry over the elders’ verdict has forced them to delay naming their preferred candidates for various seats.

Questions have also emerged whether the "negotiated democracy" would work in Mandera in next polls.

CHOOSE THEIR LEADERS

Some locals want to be left to choose their leaders freely.
They say the five-year rotation of leaders from various sub-clans could hinder development and entrench graft.

The Garre Council of Elders have picked Senior Ministry of Devolution administrator Hassan NoorHassan to replace the incumbent Mr Roba for Mandera governor’s seat.

Last week, Mr Hassan, a former Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner failed to appear before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for questioning.

Mr Hassan is wanted by EACC to answer queries over procurement of consultancy services.

But the council’s chairman, Mr Alinoor Ibrahim Sheikh, said they are not aware their candidate is wanted by anti-corruption officials.

“We are not aware of that and once we get to know then we shall give our position on the matter but for now we don’t know anything,” said Mr Sheikh on phone.

Some Mandera residents have questioned the move by the elders to back Mr Hassan regardless of integrity issues facing him over the National Youth Service.