BORANA COMMUNITY TO BEGIN NEGOTIATED DEMOCRACY PROCESS FOR GOVERNORSHIP RACE AS FORMER PS MOHAMED LIBAN IS ENDORSED BY ISIOLO WARSU CLAN ELDERS
BORANA COMMUNITY TO BEGIN NEGOTIATED DEMOCRACY PROCESS FOR GOVERNORSHIP RACE AS FORMER PS MOHAMED LIBAN IS ENDORSED BY ISIOLO WARSU CLAN ELDERS
Elders from the Warsu clan have endorsed former Permanent Secretary for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, as their preferred candidate for the Isiolo gubernatorial race ahead of the nomination process to be conducted through negotiated democracy by the Borana Council of Elders (BCE).
The Borana community, which comprises seven sub-clans and forms the majority population in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, is among the few communities that have preserved the tradition of vetting candidates for elective positions through a consensus-based system known as negotiated democracy.
Speaking during the endorsement meeting, Warsu clan chairperson Mohamed Kochoro expressed confidence that Liban would secure the backing of the wider Borana Council of Elders. He described Liban as the most experienced among the aspirants who have declared interest in the governorship seat.
Other candidates who have expressed interest in the race from the Borana community include former Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba from the Karrayyu clan, Abdul Bahari of the Karrayyu clan, and Nuh Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Fund, who hails from the Dambenono clan.
Kochoro praised Liban’s record in public service, saying he had consistently championed development initiatives across Isiolo County. He cited Liban’s efforts in facilitating the drilling of boreholes and expanding electricity connections to remote and underserved communities as evidence of his commitment to improving livelihoods.
He noted that the endorsement reflects the Warsu clan’s belief that Liban possesses the leadership experience and development-oriented vision needed to steer Isiolo County forward.
According to Nuria Gollo, a resident of Marsabit from the Warsu community, members of the clan have overwhelmingly supported the decision by their elders to endorse Mohamed Liban for the governorship race. She said the community is united behind the elders’ choice and remains confident in Liban’s ability to provide effective leadership and champion development in the region.
In his acceptance speech, Liban called for harmony among communities within the larger Borana community as the election period approaches. He also reiterated his willingness to accept the outcome of the elders’ selection process regarding the candidate who will ultimately be endorsed.
Liban further urged residents to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term in office, sentiments that were echoed by Kello Harsama, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Petroleum.
Harsama said Mohamed Liban is one of the most qualified individuals to vie for the governorship due to his vast experience in public service. He also urged residents of Isiolo and the wider Northern Kenya region to continue supporting the current government under President William Ruto.
According to Harsama, pastoralist communities remain at the core of President Ruto’s development agenda, a commitment he said will help accelerate development in the region, which has long faced marginalization in terms of infrastructure and economic growth.
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