Frontier Eye Desk
Masalani, Garissa County.
In a vibrant rally filled with excitement and optimism, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji officially launched his bid for the Garissa County governorship in Masalani town on Sunday.
Haji, surrounded by local leaders, elders, and youth, addressed hundreds of supporters at his Masalani turf, where he unveiled his vision for a “prosperous and secure Garissa” anchored on unity, economic empowerment, and improved infrastructure.
“I know the journey is long, but it will be fulfilling in the end. With the will of Allah, we shall get there,” Haji told the cheering crowd.
“I am here to serve the people of Garissa. Together, we will confront our challenges head-on,” he asserted.
Haji emphasized that the time had come for the Ijara community to produce a governor, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
The launch drew delegations from all six sub-counties, including Ijara, where Masalani serves as a key administrative and commercial hub.
Supporters waved placards reading “Haji for Governor,” “Kumi Fresh,” and “Time for Change,” underscoring growing calls for new leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdul Haji first gained national and international recognition for his heroic actions during the 2013 Westgate Mall terror attack in Nairobi, where he courageously helped rescue trapped civilians. His bravery earned him widespread admiration and cemented his reputation as a symbol of unity and resilience in times of crisis.
He was first elected Senator in 2021 following the death of his father, the late Mohamed Yusuf Haji, a long-serving Ijara MP, Garissa Senator and former Defence Minister. He was re-elected in 2022, further strengthening his standing as a dedicated and approachable leader.
Haji holds an MBA from the United States International University (USIU) and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.
During the rally, Haji highlighted his record of championing devolution and promised inclusive leadership if elected governor.
“This is our county, our future. Let us build it with our hands and hearts,” he said.
Residents described Haji as youthful, accessible, and unifying. At one emotional moment, visibly moved by the overwhelming turnout, Haji told the crowd, “I am not here as the Garissa Senator, but as your son.”
Political observers say Haji’s entry into the race could significantly reshape Garissa’s political landscape, setting up a potential face-off with other heavyweight contenders, including former Governor Ali Korane and former Ambassador Muhumed Muktar Shidiye.
Others who have declared interest include former Principal Secretary Abdikani Dubat Fidow, Abakhaile MCA Hajir Mohamed Dahiye, former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass, and Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, CEO of the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD).
Haji’s declaration now sets the stage for what promises to be a spirited and closely contested gubernatorial race, as he positions himself as a bridge between tradition and modern governance in Kenya’s expansive North Eastern frontier.