By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 7 August 2026 - Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Mukhtar Shidiye has described "null and void" the alleged consultative process touching on his 2027 political ambitions.
In a press statement by his communication and political strategist Mohamed Farah Shire, Shidiye maintained that he was never invited to or involved in the alleged consultations and insisted that only the people of Garissa County, through the ballot, have the authority to determine his political future in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
On Wednesday, a group of Aulihan elders in a press statement in Garissa claimed they had looked for Shidiye in a bid to convince him to drop his gubernatorial bid in favour of Abdul Haji, they alleged that he never turned up for the consultations with the council of elders.
However, on Thursday hundreds of supporters of Shidiye turn up at a local hotel condemning the local elders over trying to dismiss Shidiye's political ambitions.
Donning a red attire on their heads as a sign of protest, they vowed to support him for his gubernatorial bid come 2027 General Election.
"For the record, Mohamed Mukhtar Shidiye never shared any consultative platform or meeting with the individuals claiming to have conducted the process, Consequently, any assertion that he declined participation is false, misleading, and without factual basis," read part of the statement.
The communication official maintained that no individual or group has the authority to speak on behalf of Shidiye or to make determinations concerning his political aspirations without his participation or consent.
"Shidiye's decision to contest for the position of Governor of Garissa County in 2027 is a constitutional and democratic right That right can only be determined by the sovereign will of the people of Garissa County through the ballot"he added.
The officials noted that no pronouncements of few individuals or individual or institution can supersede, replace, or control the democratic choice of the voters of Garissa County.
They said Shidiye remained firmly committed to his candidature and to engaging the people of Garissa County with a vision of unity, peace, inclusive leadership.
They call upon all our supporters and the people of Garissa County to remain calm, steadfast, and focused adding that they should not be distracted by misinformation, false narratives, or politically motivated statements intended to undermine the democratic process.
"Let us continue to uphold respect, peace, and the rule of law as we prepare for the people's verdict at the ballot box" said Shire in the statement.
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