Disability rights advocate Hafid Maalim Ibrahim has urged Mandera Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba to vacate his seat ahead of the 2027 General Election. Maalim, who chairs the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) community in Northern Kenya, appealed to Roba to shift his focus to national politics, citing the need for a new generation of leaders committed to inclusive representation. Maalim's appeal comes as he seeks to contest the seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
Maalim is among 242 people proposed for recognition as Kenya marks Mashujaa Day on October 20. He was cited for his contribution to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in Northern Kenya. As a regional PWDs leader, he played a role in efforts that led to the enactment of the Persons with Disability Act, 2025. The law provides for equal access to education, employment, and political participation for persons with disabilities in both public and private sectors.
Maalim acknowledged Roba's service to Mandera but argued that the senator should make room for new leadership rather than seek another term. He cited the need for representation that includes persons with disabilities, young people, women, and different clans. Maalim urged Roba to pursue national leadership instead, saying "Leadership is a relay, not a possession. A seat is a trust, not a throne."
Maalim holds the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), a presidential honour awarded during the 2025 Jamhuri Day celebrations. He is positioning himself to challenge for the seat in 2027 and has indicated that he intends to run on an ODM ticket. Roba, a former Mandera governor who served from 2013 to 2022, currently represents the county in the Senate and leads the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
It remains unclear whether Roba will seek re-election or respond to Maalim's appeal. Maalim referred to former Mandera senators Mumad and Billow, whom he claimed served one term, and urged Roba not to follow the same path. The National Heroes Council cited Maalim's contribution to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Northern Kenya as the reason for his Mashujaa Day recognition.
As the chairperson of PWDs across Northern Kenya region, Maalim played a pivotal role in the enactment of the Persons with Disability Act, 2025. The law provides for PWDs equal access to education, employment, and political participation in both public and private sectors. Maalim's recognition comes as he seeks to translate his advocacy work into elective leadership.
Maalim's proposed senate bid is centred on inclusion and representation. His appeal to Roba and his recognition on Mashujaa Day have highlighted his commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and his interest in elective leadership.
Key points
- Hafid Maalim urges Ali Roba to vacate the Mandera senate seat ahead of the 2027 polls.
- Maalim seeks to contest the seat on an ODM ticket, citing the need for inclusive representation.
- Maalim was cited for his contribution to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in Northern Kenya.
