By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
Kenya, 16 November 2025 - Bahgeri sub-clan of the Ogaden community has a new leader, Sultan Abdirahman Sultan Hussein, who was crowned in a grand ceremony held at Shalete Primary School in Wajir.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who was the Chief Guest said it is an important moment that will shape the community's socio-political path.
“As Chief Guest, I joined the Bahgeri sub-clan at Shalete Primary School in Wajir County for the coronation of their new leader, Sultan Abdirahman Sultan Hussein, an important moment that will shape the community's socio-political path,” CS Duale said.
As the leader, Sultan is expected to wield key influence in regional politics as the 2027 General Election draws near.
CS Duale was hosted by Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed Abdi, who led a host of local leaders including MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas), Abdirahman Mohamed Abdi (Lafey), Maj. (Rtd) Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North), Mohammed Adow (Wajir South), Abdisiirat Ali (Nominated MP), former Wajir Woman Representative and CRA commissioner Fatuma Gedi, former MP Nasri Sahal (Chairman Northern Water Works), KMA Chair Ahmed Kolosh, former Wajir Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan, Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey (UNHCR), and Dr Hassan Mohamed Adam (Nairobi South Hospital).
Former Wajir Governor Ahmed Muktar was also present, along with various local leaders.
Clan elders described the traditional coronation as an important event that equips the Sultan to provide political guidance, including selecting family members to run for electoral positions.
Bahgeri elders stressed that the choice of the new Sultan was a unified family decision, solidifying his position as the spiritual and cultural head of the clan.
The installation gained further legitimacy through endorsements from other Ogaden sultans, fostering greater unity among interconnected clans.
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The broader Ogaden community and residents from other groups in Wajir extended a warm welcome to the new Sultan.
Leaders indicated that additional communities are poised to install their own sultans in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
The gathering underscored the vital role of traditional leadership in promoting community unity, resolving disputes, and shaping political paths in the region.
CS Duale in his remarks encouraged residents of North Eastern Kenya to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) so they can access affordable healthcare without the burden of out-of-pocket payments.
He also drummed up support for President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, in recognition of what he termed “his transformative efforts.”
“President Ruto ended the era of vetting for citizenship documents and accelerating infrastructural and healthcare development in the region,” CS Duale said.
