Sheikh’s endorsement seals the alliance’s proposed ticket, with the Samawadhal community taking the governor’s position through Senator Abdul Haji

The Awliyahan community Sultan Hamud Sheikh hands over the endorsement certificate to Mohamed Sheikh, the community pick for the deputy governor seat under the Talasame Alliance.

The Talasame Alliance, bringing together the Awliyahan and Samawadhal communities in Garissa County, has completed its proposed leadership lineup following the endorsement of Libahasigale Ward MCA Mohamed Sheikh as its deputy governor-designate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The latest development follows extensive consultations among elders and community leaders aimed at balancing competing interests within the Awliyahan community, which had several aspirants seeking the deputy governor position.

The endorsement ceremony was held at a Garissa hotel and brought together Awliyahan sultanates led by Sultan Hamud Sheikh, elders, political leaders, professionals and community representatives, who endorsed the consensus reached after deliberations on the alliance’s leadership structure.

Among those who had expressed interest in the deputy governor position was Mohamed Sheikh[Abokor Aden] Noordin Mohamed[Songat], Abdirashid Mohamed[Aden Kheir] and Ali Mohamed Noor[Afwah].

The selection of Sheikh is expected to help consolidate support within the Awliyahan community as the alliance prepares to popularise its candidature and seek the backing of voters across the county.

Speaking during the endorsement, Sultan Hamud Sheikh called on members of the Awliyahan community to rally behind the newly selected deputy governor-designate, saying unity and collective responsibility would be critical to the alliance’s electoral ambitions.

The Sultan said elders had undertaken extensive consultations before settling on Sheikh, taking into account sub-clan balance, leadership experience and the need to accommodate the interests of different groups within the alliance.

He noted that reaching a consensus had required a delicate balancing act because of the competing interests and expectations surrounding the position.

The Sultan said the elders were determined to arrive at a decision that would promote fairness and inclusivity while safeguarding the unity of the community and the wider alliance.

“I want to urge those who had unsuccessfully sought the position and their supporters to accept the outcome and work together in support of the alliance’s broader political objectives. This endorsement is not merely about securing positions for individuals but about building a united political front capable of advancing the interests and aspirations of the Awliyahan and Samawadhal communities,” he said.

He said the alliance’s success would depend on the willingness of its members to put collective interests above individual ambitions and present a united front to the electorate.

He cautioned against divisive politics, warning that the contest for elective positions should not undermine longstanding relationships among communities or create unnecessary tensions.

The Sultan urged leaders and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with decorum, mutual respect and a focus on issues affecting residents.

He said political differences should be approached with maturity, noting that leaders had a responsibility to promote tolerance and peaceful engagement as the county prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The Sultan further urged all sides to respect the political choices of others and allow residents to make informed decisions without intimidation or hostility.

He said maintaining harmony within the county would be as important as consolidating the alliance’s internal unity, adding that political competition should not come at the expense of peaceful coexistence.

In his acceptance statement, Sheikh thanked the elders and the entire Awliyahan community for the trust and confidence they had placed in him, saying he was ready to deputise Abdul Haji and serve the people of Garissa County.

“I do not take this responsibility for granted. It is a great honour and a demonstration of the confidence our elders have in my leadership, experience and ability to serve our people,” Sheikh said.

The current Libahasigale Ward MCA said he was prepared to work closely with Haji to advance the interests of the two communities and address the needs of residents across the county.

Sheikh said his experience in elective leadership had equipped him with an understanding of the importance of listening to residents, responding to their concerns and pursuing meaningful development.

He described the alliance as a partnership built on shared interests and a common vision, urging community leaders, elders, youth, women and other stakeholders to join hands in mobilising support for its candidates.

“With the Telasame Alliance lineup now complete, we are ready to embark on the next phase of our journey: popularising the alliance across Garissa County, engaging residents and seeking the mandate of the electorate,” he said.

Sheikh said the alliance would focus on taking its message to residents, explaining its vision and demonstrating how the partnership could unite the two communities and provide an opportunity to pursue their shared aspirations.

He called on members of both communities to remain steadfast and avoid divisions that could undermine the alliance’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

“This alliance is bigger than any one individual. It is about our people, our shared interests and our determination to work together towards a common goal,” he said.

He added that the unity achieved through the selection process would be important in transforming the goodwill of community members into electoral support.

The completion of the Telasame Alliance lineup comes as political players position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election in a county where community consultations and clan-based coalitions have historically influenced political alignments.

Garissa is predominantly inhabited by three major Somali clan groupings: the Awliyahan, Abduwak and Samawadhal, whose political interests and alliances have played a significant role in shaping competition for county leadership and parliamentary seats.

Haji has been criss-crossing the county, meeting community members and engaging local leaders as he seeks to popularise his candidature and consolidate support for the alliance.

The alliance’s completion of its proposed ticket provides a basis for the two communities to begin broader mobilisation efforts, although its eventual electoral strength will depend on its ability to attract support beyond its core constituencies.

Other political figures in the race for the county’s top seat include former governor Ali Korane, former Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat, Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye and former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass, setting the stage for a competitive contest as aspirants position themselves ahead of the elections.

Auliyahan Sultan Hamud Sheikh speaking at the ceremony.

Mohamed Sheikh has a word with Garissa woman representative aspirant Shukran Gure.

Community members from the Auliyahan at the ceremony.