Isiolo’s Ajuran Clan Celebrates First-Ever High-Profile Government Appointment

For the first time in Kenya’s history, the Ajuran clan of the Somali community is celebrating a major political breakthrough after former Wajir North MP Ahmed Abdisalam Ibrahim who was recently appointed as Principal Secretary in the State Department for National Government Coordination in the office of the prime cabinet secretary.

Following the appointment residents from Isiolo’s LMD area expressed their excitement, emphasizing that this recognition by President William Ruto and ODM party leader Raila Odinga symbolizes a commitment to inclusivity.

Community leaders highlighted that for six decades since Kenya’s independence, the Ajuran clan had never received such a prestigious state appointment.

Abikar Mohamed said for the last sixty years of Kenyan independence it was the first time for the clan to get such an appointment. He said Abdulahi Ali and others have also been appointed to key positions in the government.

He said it was a gesture from the president that he was ready to work closely with the community and they would support the president in the coming elections.

Adan Mohamed said that the clan was very delighted following the appointment with the clan being a minority community in the country. He also thanked the president for policies which he termed as very inclusive.

According to Adan the president had equalized the country for ensuring that residents from Northern Kenya are now exempted from vetting when applying for National Identity cards and passports.

Abdulahi Omar said that the president will get political support in future from the clan which he said was the second largest among the Somali community.

Beyond the PS appointment, other key government roles have also been assigned to members of the clan, further strengthening their political representation.

The move is seen as a step toward bridging regional and ethnic disparities in government appointments, especially for minority communities in northern Kenya.

Additionally, community members praised recent government policies, such as the exemption of Northern Kenya residents from vetting during ID and passport applications another move that they believe will enhance their representation and equal rights as Kenyan citizens.

With growing political goodwill, the Ajuran clan has pledged support for President Ruto, signaling a potential shift in political dynamics ahead of future elections.