Wardei elders, youth now endorse Tana River Governor Dado’s re-election

Elders and youth from the Wardei community who met in Hola Town on April 3, 2017, when they endorseed Tana River Governor Hussein Dado for a second term. PHOTO | GALGALO BOCHA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The 400 delegates comprising elders and youth endorsed Mr Dado’s bid for the second term alongside his deputy Jire Siyat.
  • The group urged Dr Nuh to drop his bid and support Mr Dado’s re-election.
  • Sources indicate that the youthful speaker has maintained that he will not quit the race.

Groups of elders and youth from the Wardei community have endorsed Tana River Governor Hussein Dado’s re-election bid, throwing into disarray an earlier endorsement of county assembly Speaker Nuh Abdi Nasir for the seat.

The 400 delegates comprising elders and youth endorsed Mr Dado’s bid for a second term alongside his deputy Jire Siyat.

The group, led by elders from Garsen, Galole and Bura constituencies, urged Dr Nuh to drop his bid and support Mr Dado’s re-election in order “to remain relevant in politics”.

“We cannot gamble when we are already part of the current system. We have a few individuals who think politics is a gamble. We have clearly studied the situation before agreeing to endorse Mr Dado,” said nominated MCA Hassan Omar Kurtumo.

Dr Nuh did not respond to calls or reply to text messages from the Nation seeking comment on the new development.

ALLIANCES

However, Mr Kurtumo claimed that Dr Nuh’s earlier endorsement had been rescinded to ensure “the community [is not] left out of the next government” under shared political alliances between the Wardei and Mr Dado’s Orma community.

“We have a lot of faith in Mr Dado’s administration because despite this being a coalition government of Orma and Wardei, he has ensured Pokomo, Malakote and Munyoyaya are not left out.

"Tana River people are one under his stewardship and we felt he should continue for another term,” added Mr Kurtumo.

In his address to the Wardei elders and youth, Mr Dado defended himself against accusations that he had let down the community and challenged them to judge him by his track record.

The governor told the elders that most of his opponents are key beneficiaries of his government and only opted to oppose him to pursue their selfish interests.

2013 ELECTIONS

“Wardeis voted for me hundred per cent while my Ormas’ votes were divided in 2013. When I formed the government, I made sure, they benefitted more than Ormas, but some people are peddling propaganda that I only cared for my people. I don’t want to say much because you are all my witnesses,” said Mr Dado.

He assured the elders and the youth that his administration, if re-elected, will continue serving all communities living in the county, irrespective of whether they will vote him or not.

“In 2013, I was voted by the Wardei and Ormas, but when I assumed office, I ensured my cabinet had representatives from each community.

"I also did similarly in terms of development in order to bring cohesion and integration between the Orma, Wardei, Pokomos, Malakote, Weluyana and everyone living within our borders,” added Mr Dado.

In January, Dr Nuh was endorsed by some elders for the seat at a ceremony held in Gafuru Village in Galole Constituency.

Sources indicate that the youthful Speaker has maintained he will not quit the race despite the latest development.