Senator claims rivals are targeting his support base and vows to defend his political stronghold ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest
ASAL POST | GARISSA
By Abdimalik Hajir | Reporter
GARISSA, Kenya – The race for the Garissa gubernatorial seat has taken a fresh political twist after Garissa Senator Abdul Haji accused Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of allegedly interfering with his political support base as campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Garissa, Haji, one of the leading contenders for the county’s top seat, used parables to accuse unnamed political rivals of attempting to weaken his influence within the Samawathal clan, while claiming credit for recent political developments in the region.
Without mentioning Duale directly, Haji referred to a politician whom he said many people describe as “mtu wa SHA”, adding that the individual should now be known as “mtu wa SHIA.” He alleged that the politician had financed the recent coronation of a parallel Sultan, an action he described as contrary to Somali cultural traditions.
The senator argued that some political leaders were uncomfortable with the alliance he has forged with the Aulihan, a major sub-clan within the larger Ogaden community, which he claimed had overwhelmingly endorsed his gubernatorial bid.
Addressing supporters, Haji said his growing political support had unsettled his rivals, who he accused of portraying him as an enemy in communities where he enjoys strong backing.
“Today here in Garissa there is someone who is disturbing us. Everywhere he goes, he tells people that I am their enemy because I have the support of Aulihan and Samawathal,” Haji said.
His remarks come just weeks after a group of political leaders, including former Ijara MP Ahmed Abass, who has also declared his interest in the Garissa governorship, presided over the installation of another Sultan in Masalani. Both Haji and Abass hail from Ijara Constituency.
Haji questioned the legitimacy of installing a parallel traditional leader, saying Somali customs recognize hereditary succession and do not allow the simultaneous existence of two Sultans.
He said consultations with elders had convinced him that the move was inconsistent with Somali traditions and alleged that political interests were behind the ceremony.
“I have consulted elders who told me that such an action is like symbolically killing the current Sultan. We know who financed those events, and we are ready to face them politically,” he said.
The senator also claimed that attempts by elders to address the matter through the Ogaden Council of Elders had been frustrated.
Haji, who is serving his second term as Garissa Senator, succeeded his late father, Mohamed Yusuf Haji, in the Senate. He is also the younger brother of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Mohamed Haji.
With less than a year before the 2027 General Election, political activity in Garissa County continues to intensify as leading contenders position themselves for what is expected to be one of the county’s most closely watched gubernatorial contests.
The rivalry between Senator Haji and Cabinet Secretary Duale is increasingly shaping the political landscape, with alliances, clan dynamics and grassroots mobilization expected to play a significant role in the outcome of the election.
