Voters in Eldas Ward, Wajir County, have been spared a by-election after Jubilee candidate Abdi Abass Abdullahi was on Monday, August 30, elected unopposed.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) issued Abdullahi with the certificate paving way for his gazettement - having received no other applicant declaring interest in the by-election.
The youthful politician had been expected to battle it out with a candidate from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) but the party pulled out of the exercise earlier this month.
"I the returning officer of Eldas Constituency do hereby certify that the only person who is validly nominated for the Eldas County Assembly Ward Election in Eldas Constituency," IEBC certificate reads
The seat fell vacant following the death of the area leader Ibrahim Abass on July 4. The by-election had been scheduled for October 14.
UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina had on August 11 announced that the decision by UDA to keep off the by-election was informed by wide consultations.
“Following extensive consultation with the community of Eldas Ward, Eldas Constituency and Wajir County, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wish to announce that we shall not be fielding a candidate to contest for the vacant position of the Member of County Assembly, Eldas Ward, Wajir County,” Maina's statement read in part.
The North-Eastern counties are known for negotiated democracy where elders have a final say on who will take which position and from which community.
Eldas MP Aden Keynan who doubles up as Secretary for the Jubilee Coalition Joint Parliamentary Group, played an integral role in persuading the other aspirants to step down in support of Abdullahi.
Keynan thanked both the elders, residents and other leaders for the role they played in having the MCA elected unopposed.
“We acknowledge the significant role and the unwavering support the leadership of the Jubilee Party, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta has played in this noble assignment. I pass my appreciation to all the aspirants who have demonstrated unique and bold attributes of leadership by sacrificing their ambitions for the broader interest of the community.”
Keynan further said the culture of the people of Eldas remained unflinching whenever they have been called to demonstrate the fabric of their common values.
