Ex-Minister Elmi Disunites Fai, Declares Bid for Wajir Governorship

Former Northern Kenya Minister Mohamed Elmi addresses his supporters during the event where he declared his bid for the Wajir governorship in the 2027 elections. Photo/ Courtesy By Azizah Abdullahi | Political Reporter

Former Northern Kenya Minister Mohamed Elmi has created fresh disunity and political confusion within the Fai clan after declaring his bid for the Wajir governorship on Thursday.

In an event attended by a section of his supporters, the former Tarbaj legislator announced that he was in the race, defying the Fai verdict and creating fresh political turmoil in Wajir’s clan-based electoral system.

The event, which was avoided by the majority of influential Fai elders, scholars and professionals, puts Elmi in a precarious political situation, potentially undermining his influence within Wajir politics.

Appearing more like a spoiler to the verdict candidate, Dr Hassan Mohamed Fuje, Elmi’s declaration marks a litmus test for his political future and, more importantly, for the unity of Fai.

From within Fai, Elmi is a man under siege who has lost his political footing twice after going against Dr Fuje, together with others, during the 2022 elections. His current aspirations are viewed by some insiders as the final straw that could break the camel’s back.

Fai insiders say he is finishing his political curriculum with a lesson that sends jitters down the spine of many of his own supporters. They say he no longer holds Fai’s nod and finds himself increasingly isolated by his vote-rich community.

The absence of key members from his own backyard, including his close confidant and KANU-era councillor Dayib Ali Noor, sends a signal that Elmi, once regarded as a kingmaker, is now facing his bid without some of his traditional political allies.

He may have to rely on Somaliweyn votes, which are already being contested by a growing list of candidates from other constituencies.

It will take considerable effort for Elmi to pose a political challenge this time round, if the prevailing campaign environment is anything to go by. The opposition to his candidature within Fai’s decision-making organs, including the sultanate, is a factor he cannot afford to ignore.

On Thursday, he assured his supporters that he would be on the ballot come what may, a declaration that signals a potentially bitter political contest within his own community.

“I could have made a presser but you know there is AI these days. I am here with these people and they are my witness,” he said before announcing his candidature.

His brief announcement, which did not explain the reasons behind his candidature or clarify his position on the verdict candidate, did little to settle the questions surrounding his entry into the race.

Later, in a post on his Facebook account, Elmi said he was ready to work for the people of Wajir and build a county that works for all citizens.

“Our intentions were clear today. We are ready to work, we are ready to serve, and we are ready to build a Wajir that works for everyone,” he said.

He called on the people of Wajir to pursue positive politics as he kicked off his campaign to secure the governorship.

“I urge everyone to remain engaged and positive as we take this message to every corner of Wajir County.”

Elmi’s declaration has now placed the Fai political establishment before a difficult test. His insistence on remaining in the race raises the prospect of an increasingly bruising contest, with loyalty, influence and the authority of traditional leadership coming under scrutiny.

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