Former Lagdera MP dismisses alleged consultations as invalid, reaffirms commitment to the 2027 gubernatorial race and urges supporters to remain peaceful.
GARISSA POLITICS | ASAL POST
GARISSA, Kenya – Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Mukhtar Shidiye has dismissed as “null and void” an alleged consultative process aimed at persuading him to abandon his 2027 gubernatorial bid, insisting that only the people of Garissa County have the constitutional mandate to determine his political future through the ballot.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Communications and Political Strategist Mohamed Farah Shire, Shidiye said he neither received an invitation nor participated in the consultations reportedly organised by a section of Aulihan elders.
He maintained that any resolutions purportedly reached in his absence were invalid and could not determine his political ambitions.
“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,” the statement said.
The response follows claims made on Wednesday by a group of Aulihan elders in Garissa, who alleged they had attempted to engage Shidiye in consultations aimed at persuading him to step aside in favour of Garissa Senator Abdul Haji ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, Shidiye’s camp rejected those claims, arguing that no individual or group has the authority to make decisions regarding his political aspirations without his participation or consent.
According to the statement, Shidiye’s decision to seek the Garissa governorship is protected under the Constitution and can only be determined by voters during the election.
“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,” the statement added.
The former Lagdera Member of Parliament further maintained that no institution, elders’ council or individual has the power to override the democratic choice of Garissa voters.
The political dispute comes amid heightened political activity in the county, where alliances and endorsements are beginning to shape the race for the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of Shidiye’s supporters gathered at a hotel in Garissa Town to protest what they described as attempts by some elders to interfere with the democratic process.
The supporters, many wearing red headbands as a symbol of solidarity, vowed to stand firmly behind Shidiye’s gubernatorial bid and insisted that leadership should be decided through the ballot rather than political negotiations.
Despite the growing political tensions, Shidiye appealed for calm and urged his supporters to remain peaceful while focusing on his campaign agenda.
He reiterated his commitment to pursuing a platform centred on unity, peace, inclusive leadership and development for Garissa County.
“We call upon all our supporters and the people of Garissa County to remain calm, steadfast and focused. Let us not be distracted by misinformation, false narratives or politically motivated statements intended to undermine the democratic process,” the statement said.
Shidiye concluded by urging residents to uphold peace, respect the rule of law and allow voters to make the final decision during the 2027 General Election.
