Wajir gubernatorial aspirant Yahya Mohamed Dahiye has launched a door-to-door campaign strategy in Wajir town, urging residents to reject political brokers and make informed electoral choices. Dahiye, who is seeking to succeed Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, said voters should interact directly with candidates and examine their manifestos. He emphasized that this approach will allow residents to make their own political choices without relying on a few individuals who have traditionally acted as political intermediaries.
Dahiye's campaign strategy is a departure from the traditional role of elders in electoral politics among Somali communities in northern Kenya. For years, aspirants seeking elective seats have often appeared before elders to declare their intentions, seek their blessings, and undergo vetting and consensus-building. However, Dahiye said he has opted for a campaign model that takes his message directly to voters, giving them an opportunity to engage directly with aspirants.
Some residents have welcomed Dahiye's approach, saying it gives them a chance to interact with candidates directly. Fardosa Adan Osman, a resident of Bula Gif Cade, said candidates should engage voters directly rather than depend on political intermediaries. Suleiman Malak said direct engagement should form an important part of political campaigns, allowing candidates to listen to residents' concerns.
Mama Halima Yarrow, another Bula Gif Cade resident, said Dahiye's campaign style has introduced a different dimension to the debate over negotiated democracy and clan-based consultations. She noted that for years, political mobilisation has often involved elders and community structures playing a significant role in consultations and the selection of candidates. However, this approach has not helped voters and residents.
Despite Dahiye's efforts, the influence of elders and community structures remains evident in the 2027 Wajir gubernatorial contest. Communities and sub-clans are already undertaking consultations and endorsement processes. The Fai sub-clan of the Degodia community has endorsed Hassan Mohamed Adan as its candidate, while the Matan community has been consulting aspirants, including Dahiye, former MP Ahmed Kolosh, and Omar Sheikh.
Dahiye, who hails from the Matan sub-clan of the larger Degodia community, has received backing from sections of the community. Several political figures have declared interest in the Wajir gubernatorial seat, including Nairobi West Hospital owner Dr Hassan Mohamed, Capital Markets Authority chairman Ugas Sheikh Mohamed, former governor Mohamed Abdi, former Cabinet minister Mohamed Elmi, and Hassan Wehliye.
Dahiye's experience in county administration has given him an understanding of the challenges involved in managing public resources and the need to link political leadership with tangible services and economic opportunities. He said his campaign comes at a time when the traditional role of elders in electoral politics faces renewed scrutiny, particularly from young people, women, and minority groups who question whether their interests are adequately represented.
Key points
- Wajir gubernatorial aspirant Yahya Mohamed Dahiye campaigns door-to-door, urging voters to elect leaders of their choice.
- Dahiye rejects traditional role of elders in electoral politics, opting for direct engagement with voters.
- Several political figures have declared interest in the 2027 Wajir gubernatorial contest.
