The Kenya Kwanza coalition on Wednesday, August 3, received a major boost after a sitting governor stepped down from next week's election and endorsed a candidate sponsored by the coalition led by Deputy President William Ruto.
Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi Mohamud pulled out of the race in favour of Ugas Sheikh Mohamed who is vying for the Amani National Congress (ANC). He was defending his seat as an independent candidate.
The county boss noted his decision to withdraw came after consultations and a number of factors that prompted him to drop out of the race and endorse Ugas.
“In my opinion, he is the most suitable candidate to carry the County flag. Ugas Sheikh Mohamed is not only widely accepted in the County but has relatively no baggage,” the Wajir Governor stated. The Wajir governor rallied his supporters to support the ANC candidate for the gubernatorial seat.
Mohamud was impeached in 2021 by Members of the County Assembly for gross misconduct and irregular award of tenders.
His impeachment led to Deputy Governor Ahmed Ali Muktar holding the office for nine months before the High Court in Meru reinstated the incumbent in February this year.
Muktar is now vying for the governor seat on a UDA ticket.
While announcing his exit from the race, Mohamud called on the residents to vote out the current senator for Wajir Abdullahi Ibrahim of the Jubilee party in favour of Abass Sheikh Mohamed of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He urged Wajir county residents to shun candidates who participated in his impeachment. He particularly pointed out to Eldas MP Adan Keynan to be voted out.
“In this regard, I wish to appeal to you not to elect candidates who in one way or the other participated in destabilizing the running of Wajir County in the last couple of years thus affecting service delivery,” he stated
Wajir County has experienced political instability following the impeachment of Governor Mohamud by Members of the County Assembly in April 2021.
