Governor Announces Early Retirement From Politics

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali has announced his early retirement from active politics.

The governor, who is the deputy party leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is currently serving his second term.

He made the announcement during a consultative forum with 140 Borana Council of Elders on Sunday in Moyale town.

“Many of you have asked me about my next move after the expiring of my term. Let me dispel any rumors – you will not see me near any elective post come 2027” said Ali.

He added, “I can’t be a governor for ten years then lower myself to vie for a senatorial position. It is naturally unlikely for an ‘elder to become a kid’. That is impossible.”

Governor Ali said, even though he will be out of active county politics, he will be actively involved in leading the Borana community in the right direction under the guidance of the elders.

“I know what I went through to deliver the seat for two terms. In a certain scenario in Illeret, we unknowingly took tea prepared using donkey milk – It was that challenging. I don’t have any intention to interfere with any one’s political aspirations, Let them try and experience it firsthand,” he shared.

The forum was convened amid heavy criticism from his close political friends turned foes – Uran ward MCA Halkano Konso, Saku MP Hon. Dido Ali Rasso and Senator Mohammed Chute.

During the forum, the elders welcomed the governor’s decision and promised to join him in preaching unity across the county.

Among other resolutions made included; immediate cessation of political fights on local vernacular radio stations, social media platforms like WhatsApp and opt to resolve any pertinent matter through traditional elders.

“As a community, we have structures and guidelines to iron out matters from any aggrieved party. Let us utilize it well for our own being,” said elder Galm Dabasso.

The county boss also took the advantage of the forum to defend his administration against negative criticism by a section of the residents and politicians.

In August, Senator Chute wrote to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate alleged irregular contracts and payments by the Marsabit county government amounting to Ksh.2.1 billion.

Later in September, EACC presented a report before the Senate’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) that revealed Marsabit was leading with 90 graft cases already under investigations.