Garissa Senator Abdul Haji Eyes Governorship in 2027, Rallies Support in Unity Forum

NAIROBI – Garissa Senator Abdul Haji has officially set his sights on the county’s top seat in the 2027 General Election.

He signaled his ambitions during a high-level consultative meeting with diverse community stakeholders on Sunday.

The forum brought together elders, religious leaders, professionals, and youth from Garissa County.

Their discussions focused on promoting unity, inclusivity, and development in the region.

Speaking during the meeting, Senator Abdul Haji emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership.

“I always prioritize listening to the views and feedback of our electorates as their insights are invaluable to the continued development and success of our great county,” he said.

The Senator used the platform to strengthen ties with diverse community representatives of the vast Garissa County. He is positioning himself as a unifying leader ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senator Abdul Haji has remained steadfast in championing the welfare and development of Garissa County, consistently advocating for the region’s interests on the national stage.

The senator has played a key role in overseeing the activities of the national government to ensure they align with the interests of Garissa County. To fulfill this mandate, he has been actively participating in parliamentary committees and carries out oversight functions aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.

Community elders, religious leaders, professionals, and youth from Garissa County attend a high-level consultative meeting on Sunday. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

During the meeting, Senator Abdul Haji emphasized the need for a more inclusive and accommodating society that embraces ideas from all communities to drive innovation and sustainable progress.

He also expressed support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, commending it for recognizing the identity, dynamism, and reliability of pastoralist communities.

“We reaffirm our commitment to embracing inclusivity as we move forward together,” Mr. Abdul Haji said.

His sentiments are seen by political analysts as a vision for his anticipated gubernatorial agenda.

The meeting was attended by several prominent figures including Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, former Dadaab MP Mohamed Dahiye, and former Lagdera MP Mohamed Hire.

Community elders, religious leaders, professionals, and youth from Garissa County attend a high-level consultative meeting on Sunday. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

The leaders echoed the Senator’s call for unity, while backing his leadership aspirations.

Mr. Salah Sheikh, a political analyst in Garissa said as 2027 draws closer, “Senator Abdul Haji’s early groundwork and engagement with stakeholders position him as a formidable contender in the race to succeed Governor Nathif Jama.”

Senator Abdul Haji rose to national prominence in 2013 when, during the Westgate Mall terror attack in Nairobi. He courageously entered the besieged complex to rescue his brother, Noordin Haji—now Kenya’s Director of NationalIntelligence Service (NIS). His heroic actions saved numerous lives and earned him national acclaim.

Abdul Haji successfully ran for the Garissa senatorial seat under the Jubilee Party, securing a landslide victory with 72,383 votes. In a county where clan dynamics heavily influence politics, he garnered the crucial backing of major elders from all key clans, solidifying his leadership as a unifying figure across the region.