Mandera East MP Abdulaziz Farah will not defend seat citing frustration by elders

Mandera East MP Abdulaziz Farah. (Courtesy)

MANDERA—I will not defend my seat due to frustration by the elders who back negotiated democracy, Mandera East MP Abdulaziz Farah has said.

“I am not in the race for this parliamentary seat because of the effects of the negotiated democracy that caused a lot of mix-up and confusion,” the MP said.

He made the announcement at a function in Mandera town after he unveiled a Toyota Land Cruiser for the area security agencies, two school buses and four motorcycles for primary school teachers. He made the purchase from the constituency funds.

“This style of identifying leaders will cause poor leadership and I blame my woes on the elders,” he added.

Mr Abdiaziz was part of the county leaders who rejected the elder decision to step aside.

Early this month, Mandera East became the only constituency subjected to Jubilee Party nominations where Mr Farah lost to Mr Hussein Weytan.

Mr Farah admitted that his political mathematics did not add up in an attempt to convince the council of elders to allow him to seek re-election.

“The end results of negotiated democracy are not worthy investing in because almost every candidate feels short-changed by the elders,” he said.

Farah said he gave up his seat after lengthy consideration and has decided in the best interest of his clan.

“I had to mind the community and avoid punching the decision makers so that my future can remain stable,” he said.

Farah remains optimistic that his obedience would give back in future.  He also denied allegations that his withdrawal is due to failure to secure a direct Jubilee ticket like other MPs in the county who defied the elders.

Mandera is torn between rebels and obidient leaders who accepted the offer by the elders through negotiated democracy.

Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow, Woman Rep Fathia Mahbub and Mandera South MP Mohamed Huka who first to declare that they would not defend their seats adopted in August last year.

Mandera governor Ali Roba as wells as Mohamud Mohamed (Mandera West)Issack Shabaan (Lafey) Mr Mohamed Abdow Haji (Banisa) Mr Adan Mohamed Noor (Mandera North) have rejected the offer and vowed to chart their own political path.