By Abdimalik Hajir
Wajir County Gubernatorial aspirant Mr Siyad Abdullahi has said if elected he will put the devolved funds to prudence use and give the county a facelift.
He said if elected he will focus on four critical areas including connecting the county to the national grid, finding a permanent source of water, fixing proper sewer systems as well livestock marketing.
He said he will use the large presence of livestock in the county to have leather producing firms that will not only create jobs amongst residents but also contribute to the county’s economy.
Speaking to Frontier Online Mr Abdullahi said it’s unfortunate that there is nothing to show despite ten years of devolution saying the region can no longer blame Nairobi for under development.
The Governor position he said does not need a traditional politician but a Chief Executive Officer noting that politicians are characterized with favouritism and do not listen to divergent views while the CEO takes care of every opinion and suggestions.
He said if elected he will develop solar and wind power at critical areas adding that usage of generators for power is not an option.
Mr Abdullahi, a businessman who has a health background and worked in diaspora said the county has a dark history including the scar of Wagalla Massacre and constant challenges such as perennial drought and insecurity that ought to be given priority.
“My entry into politics has been propelled by so much challenges in the county, its hurting to see water tracking being done at this age, this is crises mitigation and not a permanent solution, our county need permanent source of water,” he said.
Mr Abdullahi has lived in the USA for more than 20 years and promises to use his networks and experience in getting jobs and scholarships for the youth.
He noted that he will ensure there is a proper sanitation program that he said is practical with a proper waste disposal system, the county has had serious challenges on waste management.
He blamed the recent leadership wrangles as another factor that has so much contributed to lack of progress saying the fight between leaders is about county resources.
“What we are seeing here is a big personality clash holding the county hostage and using public resources to set personal scores, if elected I will work with all leaders to avoid such in future” he told the standard yesterday.
On health crises in the county, when at the county’s leadership he will put together a team of retired CEO to do an assessment as to know the root cause of the challenges, he added he will ensure all essential drugs are available at the referral hospital.
The county government has had leadership wrangles impeached Governor reinstated by a three judge bench, Ahmed Muktar has since appealed the verdict.
The county is inhabited by the Degodia, Ogaden and the Ajuran with the former being the majority. They occupy Wajir East, Wajir West, Tarbaj and Eldas sub-counties.
Abdullahi hails from Wajir West and has already been endorsed by his Mithimal and Matan sub clans as well as the larger Degodia community.
Others in the race are the first governor of Wajir Ahmed Abdullahi and incumbent Ahmed Mukhtar, who succeeded his former boss Mohamed Abdi after his impeachment early last year, Former CAS Environment Mohamed Elmi, Ugass Sheikh Mohamed and Nairobi South Hospital proprietor Dr Hassan Mohamed.
