Dr. Abdullahi Mohamed Keinan, a seasoned public servant and development expert has declared his intention to contest the Ijara parliamentary seat in Kenya’s 2027 general election.
He vowed to challenge the region’s entrenched political norms with a campaign grounded in principle, not patronage.
Dr. Keinan made a pointed critique of what he called the “tough truth” of Northern Kenya’s political landscape, where clan affiliations and financial muscle often eclipse merit, integrity and experience.
“Politics isn’t a game of noise and muscle,” he said. “It’s a marathon of vision, strategy, and conviction.”
With a PhD in Public Policy and Management and over a decade of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors, Keinan brings a rare blend of academic depth and practical leadership.
His credentials span education, human resources, conflict resolution, social work, and financial systems — qualifications he says are urgently needed in local governance.
He has previously served in diverse senior roles, including Vice Chair of the Garissa County Public Service Board, Country Programme Manager for Action Africa Help International (Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti), Programme Manager at Save the Children International, Program Coordinator at Pathfinder International, and Office Manager at Blue Sage Therapy in Winnipeg, Canada.
His career has been defined by cross-sectoral leadership in organizational development, public sector reform, and community capacity building.
A seasoned public servant and scholar, Keinan is expected to run on the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) ticket.
His entry adds a new dimension to what is expected to be a highly contested race in Ijara constituency, part of Garissa County in Kenya’s North Eastern region.
In a departure from the bombast that often accompanies early campaign messaging, Keinan’s tone was meditative, even spiritual.
Citing verses from the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he reminded voters that leadership is ultimately a trust – and victory a divine outcome, not merely a democratic one.
“My role is to work with honesty and sincerity,” he told Kulan Post.
“But what about the outcome? Only Allah determines that, not you brother and sister.”
Keenly aware of his perceived disadvantages in local clan politics and resource mobilisation, Keinan acknowledged the complexities of his background.
Yet he insists that what he carries is more valuable than wealth or tribal arithmetic.
“Yes, my clan is complex. No, I don’t swim in cash. But I carry something deeper: faith, foresight, and fortitude.”
While he confirmed he will be on the ballot in 2027, Keinan stopped short of actively soliciting support at this stage, instead urging constituents to reflect and pray.
“Now the decision is yours to make. Either tick my name or that of my opponents. But until that moment comes, I haven’t pressured you for support.”
The approach is rare in Kenya’s often transactional political environment.
“I have availed myself because I resonate with voters fatigued by the politics of promises and patronage,” he noted.
His announcement, made more than two years ahead of the polls, also signals a readiness to engage early with the electorate — and possibly to reshape the debate in Ijara.
“Let’s make this journey one of wisdom, prayer, and purpose,” he said. “Ijara deserves leadership that speaks to the future, not just the past.”
The candidate wants to cut through the noise of political realignment and clan negotiations remains to be seen.
He is positioning himself as a candidate of conscience and a voice worth watching.
