County News
Football tournament brings together leaders despite political difference
Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi (left), Tarbaj MP Mohamed Elmi (in red jersey) and Siyat Hassan (Right) during the final match of the Siyat Tournament. Photo/COURTESY
WAJIR—Since Mashujaa Day celebration last month, Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi and Tarbaj Member of Parliament have not had a light moment since a group of politicians walked on the governor when he rose to deliver his speech.
But on Saturday, the leaders could be seen sharing light moments and sometimes, engaged in deep conversation.
Mohamed Elmi belongs to the anti-Ahmed team led by the Eldas MP Aden Keynan who fell out with the governor immediately he was elected to office in 2013.
But on Saturday last week, the two political foes met at a tournament in Wajir when they were both, alongside the head of the Regional Security Amb Mohamed Salah and nominated senator Halima Abdille invited to attend the final game of the Siyat Tournament.
The tournament, according to the orgernisor Siyat Hassan was aimed at, “Discouraging radicalization and displaying talent.”
Siyat asked the governor to take the youth docket under his watch, saying it mattered a lot to the future of county.
“I would like to plead with the governor to bring the department of Youth Affairs under the Office of the Governor,” Siyat said.
The governor said he would take “the advise seriously.” He also called on the county leaders and contractors to give back to the society, saying they owe the youths a lot.
“The youth docket will come under my office…I will re-orgernise the office and my press director who is a footballer will arrange everything,” Governor Ahmed said.
The final match of the Siyat Tournament pulled a mammoth crowd. Photo/ COURTESY
Tarbaj MP Elmi called on the youths not to engage in harmful activities.
“Let us all engage in positive activities and I would like to urge the youths to say no to radicalisation and and yes to peace,” he urged.
Nominated senator Halima Abdille said she was impressed by the tournament, adding that she would start her own to engage the youth in activities that would be worthwhile.
Agostino Neto the head coach of the national team, Harambee Stars said the final match has opened his eyes to local talents.
“I want the strikers of the both teams—Abdiqaliq Elmoge and Abdi Hassan Mohamed—to supply me with their details,” he urged.
Abdiqaliq and Abdi Hassan are set to join the national team’s under-20 camp for trials.
