Gabra elders endorse Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani for second term
Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani (seated) on June 7, 2016 after he was endorsed by Gabra elders at Kalacha to vie for the seat for a second time in the 2017 polls. PHOTO | KEN BETT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Yatani thanked the delegates who attended the meeting “for tasking us through this unique consensus building and nomination process.”
- He said the support marks the start of a journey “towards successful second round of victory.”
- The Gabra are among biggest communities in Marsabit County in terms of population.
- There are 13 other communities living in Marsabit which is Kenya’s biggest county in terms of land size.
Elders from the influential Gabra community have endorsed Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani to vie for a second term, a move that gives him a political boost.
The elders, who held a three-day meeting in Kalacha, said Mr Yatani was the best suited for the seat due to his development record and having helped unite communities in the vast county.
The governor welcomed the support saying: “I owe it to all of you for this vote of confidence, trust and honour bestowed upon me for the second time at this historic Kalacha gathering.”
North Horr MP Chachu Ganya also attended the meeting which ended Tuesday.
Mr Yatani thanked the youth and the more than 1,000 delegates who attended the meeting “for tasking us through this unique consensus building and nomination process.”
THANKED SUPPORTERS
“My special gratitude to all our supporters and friends from all walks of life for standing with us in prayers and solidarity,” Mr Yatani said.
He said the support marks the start of a journey “towards successful second round of victory.”
“Our people have spoken once again and re-affirmed their choice for the 2017 gubernatorial race,” Mr Yatani said.
The Gabra are among biggest communities in Marsabit County in terms of population.
There are 13 other communities living in Marsabit which is Kenya’s biggest county in terms of land size.
Others who have shown interest for the gubernatorial seat are Senator Abubakar Hargura and National Housing and Insurance Fund (NHIF) chairman Mohammed Ali.
In the 2013 elections, the Rendille, Gabra and Burji (Regabu) ‘coalition’ which backed Mr Yatani easily carried the day in the gubernatorial race.
The ‘coalition’ also brought together Woman Rep Nasri Ibrahim, Senator Hargura, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton and North Horr MP Chachu Ganya.
