Garissa gubernatorial aspirant says in race to the end

Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Bashir Haji, has defended his candidature saying that he is not a project to anybody.

Speaking to the press in Garissa Town after meeting with retired military officers from the area, the retired military officer reiterated that he was in the race to the end and no amount of  blackmail, name calling or intimidation will stop him from ensuring that his name is in the ballot.

“I started my campaigns in November last year with the clear intention of changing the fortunes of our county for the better if elected. I have a clear manifesto and agenda that will transform our county,” said Haji, who will contest as an independent candidate.

Haji, 58, who hails from the Samawadhal community further took issue with the media which he said had constantly described the race to be a two-horse race.

He further said that a section of residents have been spreading rumors that he has been sponsored by one of the candidates to divide the votes of the other contender.

Mr Haji urged the residents not to be influenced by tribal politics, one’s choice of party or display of wealth during the election but instead go for a leader who will change their livelihoods.

The retired military officer, who is the younger brother to Senator Yussuf Haji, said that there was no problem with the two contesting for different seats in the county saying that each one of them was driven by the sole purpose of changing the livelihoods of the residents.

Haji’s entry into the gubernatorial race brings the number of those gunning for the seat to three.

Others who are perceived to be the front-runners are the incumbent Nathif Jama (Aulihan) and Ali Korane (Abduwak).

Written by Ronald Kibet