Shidiye Pursues Garissa Governorship with Elders' Council Backing

Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye yesterday presented his application to the Aulihan Council of Elders as part of his bid for the Garissa governorship. The application was received by elders led by their chairman, Ugas Hamud Sheikh, during a meeting held at a hotel in Garissa town. Clan elders play a central and influential role in the county’s political landscape, with their endorsement often shaping electoral outcomes due to their authority rooted in tradition, culture and social structures. Addressing hundreds of supporters, Shidiye said his leadership would focus on providing a new direction for Garissa politics and improving the delivery of devolved services. He identified water shortages, inadequate healthcare, poor road infrastructure, environmental degradation and high youth unemployment as some of the county’s long-standing challenges. He expressed concern over the growing number of young people migrating in search of opportunities, warning that many face detention, abuse, or even death in transit countries such as Libya. A former two-term legislator, Shidiye said his record in public service demonstrates his ability to deliver and unite the people of Garissa regardless of clan or political affiliation. “I have today formally presented my application to the Aulihan elders. I trust they will assess it fairly, based on my character, past conduct, leadership ability and commitment to serving the community,” he said. Shidiye, who also served as Kenya’s ambassador to Botswana, used the occasion to rally support for President William Ruto’s bid for a second term. He described the President as a hardworking leader and credited his administration with initiating key development projects in Garissa and the wider Northeastern region. He also appealed for presidential intervention to address the ongoing drought affecting northern Kenya. During the 2022 general election, the Aulihan Council of Elders had prevailed upon Shidiye to step aside in favour of incumbent Governor Nathif Jama, a decision confirmed by Ugas Hamud Sheikh. After submitting his application, Shidiye, accompanied by Lagdera MP Mohamed Abdikadir Hussien and several MCAs, addressed residents along Kismayu Road. He urged them to maintain peace and to choose leaders based on their track records. Shidiye is expected to face stiff competition from several aspirants who have already declared interest in the seat, including former Governor Ali Korane, former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abaas and current Garissa Senator Abdul Haji. Shidiye hails from the Aulihan clan, Korane from the Abduwaq clan, while Abaas and Haji are from the Samawadhal clan. Korane officially launched his comeback bid over the weekend following a meet-the-people tour of Garissa town after recently joining the United Democratic Alliance.