by Hillary Mageka

@PeopleDailyKe

Former Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has asked individuals seeking elective seats through negotiated democracy from the Somali community to respect the process and the verdict of the elders.

Various clans and sub-clans in the Northern Kenya region are racing against time to endorse their candidates and share political seats ahead of the 2022 General Election in what is described as ‘negotiated democracy’.

In the counties of Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River, negotiated democracy through clan politics plays an integral role in endorsing aspirants and sharing political seats, who in most cases end up winning the actual elections.

However, the arrangement has run into headwinds over alleged bias, chauvinism, and interference from some well-heeled elite threatening the level of trust locals have in the system.

Abdullahi, who is seeking to make a comeback, after being endorsed by him Mantaan clan and backed by 10 sub clans of the Degodia community alleges the system has commercialized and is increasingly being abused by individuals at the expense of the community and that the verdict is no longer binding on anyone.

“The idea of clan endorsement commonly referred to us as negotiated democracy is good, it doesn’t harm but I think the shenanigans of what has happened in the last couple of months will sound the death knell for the clan endorsement system that we have witnessed in parts of the country,” said  Abdullahi.

“Despite the process being done in a free, fair, and transparent manner, some individuals have gone ahead to disregard its outcome, my question is was it necessary in the first place, if we don’t abide by the decisions of the elders,” he posed.

The former governor said if the rebellion against the elders’ decision is not checked, it may erode the confidence in the system.

The former governor was on Tuesday, during a book launch of Friendly primary revision mathematics book by Abdille Adan, where he lamented that clan nomination has been eroded as the welfare of the people is no longer an agenda when choosing candidates.

“They no longer consider the quality of candidates or the agenda. All that is discussed is what are we going to do as sub-clan, the quality of the people is no longer an agenda. I have a clear plan and I know how to move forward on it once elected,” he said.