The 2013 general elections was the first of a kind under the new constitutional dispensation. There was a paradigm shift from the system of imperial presidency to the devolved system of governance. Consequently, several positions were created. Different tribes realigned themselves to reap the benefits of devolution. The Rendille, Gabbra and Burji formed ‘The REGABU’ Alliance while The Turkana, Konso, Sakuye and Watta formed ‘The TUKOSAWA’ Alliance to increase their bargaining powers. The Borana Community on the other hand thought of joining hands with the Rendille’s but the latter were willing to accept the former’s proposal on condition that they had one candidate for the gubernatorial seat. This plan never came into fruition thanks to the two bulls; Mohamud Ali aka Abshiro and Chachu Tadicha. The Council of Elders who were selected to guide us into one candidate were all compromised as they were led by their selfish interests rather than the public interests. That’s how they delivered the Governor’s seat to one Ukur Yattani. The consequences of their actions were far reaching. Many youths were denied employment opportunities not because they were unqualified but because they hail from the Borana Community. The distributions of resources were all questionable as the Borana community was locked out in all development agendas of the County. These are just among the few atrocities that the County Government of Marsabit has committed towards the Borana Community.

The 2017 election is fast approaching with the same realignments taking place. Nationally, the major players are changing political vehicles to take them to the House on the Hill. In Marsabit County, The same folks are declaring their intentions to contest in different seats. One that caught my attention is the gubernatorial seat. Whether other tribal alliances will stand the test of time is a question that lingers in everyone’s mind. But as for the Borana Community, the story is the same. For one, Chachu Tadicha is out of the picture. But one guy Mohamud Ali aka Abshiro is at again with Kello Harsama also interested in the seat. Knowing how they messed us up as a community in 2013, Should we even think of picking Abshiro as our flag bearer? Do we trust these elders with the task they failed to deliver in 2013? On the latter, your guess is as good as mine. But as for Abshiro, the verdict is out. This is not his birth right to think that he has to be the ONE to take us to the next level. Let us not recycle politicians. It’s high time we give fresh blood an opportunity to serve us. Before we insult each other for having different political opinions, let look at their respective track records and judge them on merit. In 2013, We lost the battle but for 2017, lets not lose the lesson learnt in 2013. Against this backdrop, I wish to take a stand and say NO to selfish interests, say NO to greed, say NO to mediocrity, Say NO to corrupt leaders, say NO to non-Performers, Say NO to Abshiro!