Elders from the Ibrahim sub-clan of the Muqabul have endorsed Wajir’s deputy governor, Ahmed Muhumed Abdi, as their candidate for the Wajir South parliamentary seat in Kenya’s 2027 general election, in an early sign of the bargaining that is already shaping contests in the north.
The decision followed meetings of elders, opinion leaders, young people, professionals and women, convened to settle on a single name and present what organisers described as a united community position.
Across Northern Kenya, such consultations still often precede formal party primaries, serving as a first filter for who can credibly enter the race.
Muhumed, known locally as Caato, accepted the endorsement after the meeting.
“I am deeply humbled by this endorsement,” he said. “I accept the responsibility with humility, commitment and a strong sense of duty.”
The chairman of the Ibrahim elders said the choice was the product of “wide consultations”.
“This is about unity, responsibility and presenting one voice as a community,” he said.
Wajir South, one of six constituencies in the vast county, is already drawing interest as politicians test alliances more than a year before Kenyans vote.
His name now sits among those being discussed for the seat, though an elders’ blessing is an opening move ahead of the Grand Makabul meeting in Lagdima which will guarantee a nomination and victory.
Muhumed has been deputy governor since August 2022, when he was sworn in alongside Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed.
He first sought the governorship in 2017. Ahmed Muhumed Abdi Caato has worked in the Middle East and east Asia, development experience in the Horn of Africa, a science degree, an MBA in strategic management and a master’s in international relations.
He is also taking an advanced management programme.
