Ahmed Abdullahi recaptures his seat amid crowded, hotly contested elections

WAJIR—Ahmed Abdullahi, the inaugural governor of Wajir County, was tonight declared the winner of a crowded, hotly contested race.

Ahmed scooped 35,533 followed by Dr Hassan Fuje (27, 224), Ahmed Ali Mukhtar (21,859) while Mohamed Elmi ranked forth with 21,047.

Riding on “Restoring Hope” slogan, Ahmed Abdullahi alias Jiir rode on a broad support base and has largely avoided clan-related endorsement mainly from his backyard.

In Wajir town, public transport drivers were openly campaigning for his re-election.

“If it were not for him (Jiir), we wouldn’t have Tuktuks and mini taxis in Wajir town,” said Salat Ali, 25, reffering to the 25 kilometres of tarmack road, a flagship project that would later create thousands of jobs and ease transportation within the town.

Ahmed’s victory is expected to dim the light on a five-year chaotic period marred by disputed elections, continous power struggle and a growing despair among the residents who bore the brunt of a situation they hardly wished for.