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The Murulle Clan Council of Elders from Mandera County on Sunday endorsed Senator Mohamed Mahamud (pictured above, centre) as the community’s gubernatorial flagbearer to succeed Ali Roba, who is serving his final term.

It also endorsed former Mandera East MP Mohamed Hussein as Mohamud’s running-mate in the August 9 elections.

Murulle clan occupies Mandera East and Lafey constituencies.

Mohamud was picked over Mombasa-based businessman Feisal Abdirahman, who had expressed interest in the seat.

The colourful ceremony was held at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi and presided by community elders. It was attended by local leaders and professionals, including Mandera Deputy Governor Mohamed Arai.

The endorsement process took more than three months — including selection, negotiations, and interviewing candidates.

“We have settled on Senator Mohamed Mohamud as the community’s flagbearer,” said former Lafey MP Shaaban Ali Isaack. “We are giving the people of Mandera the best … and that is Senator Mohamed Mohamud,” added Isaack.

The pair will face off with former East African Community and Regional Development CS Adan Mohamed, ex-Education CAS Hassan Noor Hassan, and County Speaker Mohamed Khalif Adan. Deputy Governor Mohamed Arai threw his weight behind Senator Mohamed, terming him astute. Diligent and impeccable

The running mate designate, Mohamed Hussein alias Qaras, described Senator Mohamud as diligent and impeccable.

Qaras stated that they would use their experiences and knowledge to transform the county and bring services closer to the people.

“We have joined hands to salvage Mandera county from wolves that have preyed on our people,”

Welcoming the endorsement, Senator Mohamed promised to stabilise the county by ensuring efficient use of public resources. He said he would work to end sporadic inter-clan conflicts and ensure food security for the population. The county often experiences spillover conflicts from neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia.