Igembe
North MP Julius Taitumu speaking at the ceremony.
Jack
Ananga, the new Ameru Community residing in Garissa with Garissa woman
representative Udgoon Siyad.
Leaders during the inauguration ceremony of the Garissa Ameru community chairman.Leaders in Garissa have called for peaceful coexistence among communities, stressing that unity is essential for development and progress in the region.
The appeal came during the inauguration of Jack Ananga as the new chairman of the Ameru community in Garissa.
The event drew prominent leaders, including Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed, Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad, Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, and Garissa County Assembly Majority Leader Mohammed Farah.
Taitumu, who was the guest of honour, congratulated Ananga and emphasized that peace must remain a shared commitment.
“Peaceful coexistence is not just a moral obligation—it is a necessity for development. This gathering is a testament to the harmony that exists among our communities, but it is also a reminder of our collective responsibility to continue building bridges, not walls—to foster understanding, not division,” he said.
He urged Garissa residents to reject tribalism, discrimination, and hate, adding: “Let this installation ceremony not only be a celebration of leadership, but also a renewal of our pledge to coexist peacefully. Always strive to speak with one voice when it comes to peace.”
Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed echoed the message, noting that the town has long been a melting pot of cultures.
“Garissa is home to many communities, each with its own culture, language, and traditions. And yet, beneath our differences lies something greater that binds us: our shared humanity,” Mohamed said.
He pledged to continue championing inclusivity, dialogue, and equal representation for all communities in Garissa.
The newly installed chairman, Jack Ananga, promised to use his leadership to strengthen unity and cooperation among communities in the region.
“We cannot afford to live in isolation or suspicion. We must see each other not as rivals, but as neighbors, friends, and partners in progress,” he said.
“The challenges we face—whether economic, social, or security-related—do not discriminate by ethnicity. They affect all of us, and the only way we will overcome them is by standing together, united in purpose and spirit.”
Ananga expressed optimism about his new role, adding that his leadership would prioritize dialogue, inclusivity, and progress.
The Ameru are among the largest communities in Garissa, second only to the Kamba. Many are engaged in the miraa trade, a booming sector that plays a central role in the county’s economy.
With new leadership in place, there is hope that the Ameru community will have a stronger voice and contribute to fostering harmony and development across Garissa.
