ASAL POST | POLITICS | July 12, 2026
GARISSA, Kenya – Former Balambala Member of Parliament Dr. Abdikadir Omar Aden has officially withdrawn from the 2027 parliamentary race, citing the need to safeguard family unity and strengthen community cohesion under a negotiated political consensus.
The announcement followed extensive consultations with family members, clan elders and key stakeholders, culminating in a consensus meeting held in Garissa on Sunday.
Dr. Abdikadir’s decision clears the path for his maternal uncle, Garissa Township MP Major (Rtd) Dekow Mohamed Barrow, who is expected to defend his parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election under the family’s agreed political arrangement.
Addressing supporters after the meeting, Dr. Abdikadir said stepping aside was a difficult but necessary decision to prevent political rivalry within the family.
“After extensive consultations with family, elders and key stakeholders, I made the decision to withdraw my candidature for the 2027 Balambala MP seat. This difficult decision was driven by a desire to maintain community harmony and family unity. It became clear that it would be counterproductive for both myself and my maternal uncle, Major (Rtd) Dekow, to vie simultaneously. In the interest of cohesion, it makes complete sense for me to step down and refocus my energies.”
The former legislator expressed gratitude to the people of Balambala for electing him as their MP from 2013 to 2017 before he went on to represent Kenya at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) between 2017 and 2022.
He reaffirmed his commitment to public service, saying he would continue supporting community development and remain available to serve the country in other capacities.
The announcement came after a consultative meeting of members of the Ugaar family from the larger Yahye clan, where leaders deliberated on preparations for the 2027 General Election and agreed on a unified political strategy.
In a separate statement, Major (Rtd) Dekow Mohamed Barrow welcomed the decision by Dr. Abdikadir Omar Aden and former Garissa County Assembly Speaker Ismail Ali Abdullahi to shelve their political ambitions, describing their move as an act of sacrifice and statesmanship.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon. Dr. Abdikadir Omar Aden and Hon. Ismail Ali Abdullahi for selflessly shelving their ambitions for the greater good of our family. Their sacrifice and statesmanship have strengthened our unity and allowed us to fully focus on the Garissa Township seat,” he said.
The latest development highlights the continued influence of negotiated democracy in Garissa County, where elders and clan leaders often broker political consensus to minimize divisive contests. Supporters argue the model promotes peace, unity and reduces the cost of elections, while critics maintain that it limits political competition and voters’ freedom to choose their preferred candidates.
