Why Mandera Governor Ali Roba defied elders order not to seek re-election

Mandera Governor Ali Roba has maintained that he will seek re-election in next year’s elections.

He said he defied a decree by elders ordering him not to contest for governorship because voters have the final say on who to elect as their leader.

“The decision to elect, re-elect or remove leaders based on their manifestos or performance lies squarely with the electorate," said Mr Roba, who was elected on a URP ticket.

Mr Roba was addressing his supporters who thronged the Mandera airstrip to receive him a week after he publicly defied the order by clan elders.

The elders asked Mr Roba, Senator Billow Kerrow, four MPs and 18 ward representatives to step down in 2017 polls to pave way for election of other leaders from the 20 Garre sub-clans.

Mr Kerrow has since agreed to abide by the decision and asked other leaders to do so.

On Saturday, Mr Roba said elections should be pegged on performance of leaders.

The governor said he deserves a second term as he had initiated development in the county.

Some residents said they are unhappy with the decision by the elders.

"I support the call for unity but if elders' decision is meant to oust performing leaders then I am against it," said Dahaba Abdi, a shopkeeper in Mandera town.

Mzee Abdi Dukow, also a resident, said health services had improved during Mr Roba’s tenure.