Principal Secretary in the State Department for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, has outlined a strategic roadmap for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Isiolo County following a high-level engagement with the Borana Council of Elders.

The meeting, held on January 16, 2026, brought together PS Liban, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, and leaders of the law-enshrined Borana Council of Elders.

Discussions focused on strengthening party structures in the county and promoting inter-communal collaboration as a foundation for peaceful coexistence and political stability.

“Alongside the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) @UDAKenya and Secretary General @HassanOmarH, we held a high-level engagement with the law-enshrined Borana Council of Elders from @isioloCounty011,” PS Liban stated in a post on X.

Strengthening party structures

According to PS Liban, the engagement was aimed at consolidating UDA’s presence at the grassroots level through inclusive leadership and structured outreach.

He said the talks centred on building durable political structures while recognising the role of traditional institutions in community mobilisation and dispute resolution.

“The strategic meeting centred on strengthening the UDA party structures & deepening inter-communal collaboration to advance peaceful coexistence & sustainable political stability in the region,” he added.

He noted that the deliberations produced a coordinated plan designed to entrench the party’s grassroots footprint across Isiolo County, with a focus on unity among neighbouring communities.

“The deliberation delivered clear outcomes, aligned on a coordinated roadmap to entrench UDA’s grassroots presence in @isioloCounty011 through inclusive leadership, structured community outreach & intentional engagement with neighbouring communities to reinforce unity & harmony,” PS Liban explained.

Support from elders

The Borana Council of Elders, a traditional institution rooted in Oromo culture and known for its role as custodian of law, history and social order, also used the forum to express appreciation for UDA leadership.

“The Borana Council of Elders also formally conveyed their appreciation to the Secretary General for his exemplary, inclusive leadership & his consistent commitment to consensus-building across communities,” PS Liban noted.

He further said the elders reaffirmed their support for the party ahead of the next general election.

“Most importantly, the Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for the party & gave a strong assurance of intensified mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he stated.

By-election context

The engagement comes as political activity intensifies in Isiolo ahead of the Isiolo South parliamentary by-election scheduled for February 26, 2026.

The by-election follows the death of the area MP, Mohamed Tubi Bidu, on November 12, 2025.

UDA has endorsed Tubi Mohamed Tubi, son of the late MP, after a consensus process involving local leaders and elders.

The Isiolo South poll is among four by-elections announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, with parties having already submitted candidate nominations.