By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 22 August 2026 - Senator Abdikadir 'Abdul' Yussuf Haji is tipped to win the Garissa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election, if recent endorsements are anything to go by.
In a widely publicized political coronation held in Garissa on Saturday, Haji was unanimously endorsed by Aulihan and Samawathal community sub-clan who make the largest voting bloc in the county.
The endorsement that has been described as historic is a culmination of various town hall meetings by Abdul with different subsections of the mentioned communities.
The events attended by various former and current political leaders, diplomat was spearheaded by the two clans sultants, Sultan Hamud Shiekh of Aulihan and his Samawathal counterparts Sultan Hassan Shurie.
The Aulihan Council of Elders had asked their initial candidate, Ambassador Shidiye, to step aside in favour of Senator Abdul, citing a mutual written agreement reached about ten years ago.
Sultan Hamud noted that those who refused to step down in favour of Abdul Haji have no support from the community referring to former Lagdera Member of parliament Mohamed Shidiye who is contesting for the seat.
In the run up to the last general election the two-community coalition that propelled Current Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at the helm with Abdul elected as the senator.
Attention now turns to the Abudwak community, which remains divided among three candidates, former Governor Ali Korane is aiming to make a comeback while PS Dubat Fidhow and Moulid Shurie are also eying the same seat.
For Senator Abdul, the next political task is therefore clear, capitalize on the divisions within Abudwak and build a broader coalition beyond the Aulihan-Samawathal alliance.
Speaking after he was endorsed, Abdul Haji said there were people who were opposed to their coalition saying those people do not have an agenda, plans and above all do not have one candidate for the gubernatorial seat.
“Their work is scaremongering and propagating lies, clannism, incitement, insults while we have a plan, future and an agenda,” he told supporters who turn up at the events.
The Garissa senator noted that they want an inclusion politics that brings everyone onboard, a county where anyone can be given a chance without leaving anyone.
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Kenya Ambassador to Oman Abdi Adhan noted that people are fighting Abdul Haji because of the name of their late father who had influential positions both in Kenya and across the region.
“its well known that Abdul Haji would not take any money belonging to the public, they are fighting Abdul because he has united all people in Garissa County,” he said.
Dadaab member of parliament Farah Maalim said his community is ready to make the coalition stronger and ensure Abdul Haji is elected as next Garissa Governor.
Governor Nathif Jama symbolically handed a stick to Abdul Haji, signifying that he has officially endorsed him for the seat to succeed him.
Jama criticized those who vilified the council of elders whom he said are respected amongst the community.
“How would you want a position when you disparage the council of elders who are respected, how do you want them to support you when you insult them every day,” he said.
The governor also took issue with a splinter group led by former Ijara member of parliament Ahmed Ibrahim who crowned another Sultan from Samawathal saying its not a usual Somali custom to do that.
The meeting attracted various senior government officials and officials from neighbouring countries.
Those attending included former members of Parliament Sofia Abdinoor (Ijara), Mohamed Hire (Lagdera), Mohamed Dahiye (Dadaab).
Others included Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, former Garissa Woman Representative Shukran Gure among others.