Governor Nathif Jama rubbishes clan-based politics in Garissa

Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama has laughed-off the recently formed political outfit – Telamuge Alliance – saying that it will not stand the test of time, remaining adamant that he will clinch the gubernatorial race in the coming August polls.

The Telamuge Alliance is a clan-based political outfit that brings together the Abduwak and Samawadhal communities to contest for elective seats in the county as a bloc.

The alliance proposed Ali Korane from the Abduwak clan to run for the governorship, Abdi Dagane from the Samawadhal clan as Korane’s deputy, incumbent Senator Yusuf Haji from the Samawadhal clan to defend his seat, and Annab Subow from the Abduwak clan to run for the Women Representative seat.

The governor was speaking to the press in Garissa Town after receiving his rival-turned-ally Omar Abdi who has dropped his ambitions for the Garissa County gubernatorial seat.

Governor Jama said the alliance was formed by a few individuals who are serving their own interest and not that of the people of Garissa.

According to Mr Jama, it is unfortunate for few individuals to play politics of exclusion, adding that they will be defeated “early in the morning”.

“When you speak of clan-based alliances are you trying to exclude other communities just to advance your interest, the kind of politics we want in Garissa in one whose success has to be based on achievements,” he said.

Governor Jama is now urging the people of Garissa County to re-elect him based on his development record since coming into power in March 2013.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Garissa have confidence in my re-election not because of clan orientation but because of my value proposition and in terms of delivering results for them,” added the governor who was elected on a Wiper Party ticket.

He thanked Omar Abdi for stepping down for him in what he terms as a ‘bold decision’ that should not be viewed as a weakness but be seen as a move from someone who has the interests of the people of Garissa at heart.

Story edited by Majanga Michael