Calls for unity after coronation of new Samawadhal leader

 

Garissa governor aspirant Ahmed Ibrahim Abass in Masalani town last Sunday /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Calls for unity after coronation of new Samawadhal leader

The coronation of a traditional leader of the Samawadhal clan last Sunday continues to draw mixed reactions.

Mohamed Abdi Samad was crowned during a ceremony attended by politicians who have opposed the current Sultan's decision to endorse Garissa Senator Abdul Haji as the community's sole candidate for Garissa governor.

The ceremony was attended by governor aspirant Ahmed Ibrahim Abass, National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya Chief Executive Officer Harun Mohamed, Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi, current and former members of the county assembly, and some community elders, among others.

Speaking during the coronation, Abass, a former Ijara MP, said the current council of elders had failed to remain impartial and had instead shown bias towards certain political candidates.

"The new traditional leader has the potential to bridge differences and champion the welfare of the Samawadhal people. We are ready to support any efforts that promote peace and development," he said.

Abass said the installation of the new traditional leader reflected the aspirations of a section of the community seeking more inclusive and independent traditional leadership.

MP Abdi said many members of the community felt excluded from key decisions affecting them and expressed hope that the new leadership would bring a fresh approach.

"For a long time, many people have felt their voices were not being heard. The coronation of a new traditional leader gives hope to those who have been yearning for a fresh approach to community leadership," he said.

The coronation has, however, drawn criticism from some members of the Samawadhal community, who questioned the process and its legitimacy.

Mohamed Hussein, who was identified as a youth leader and community member, said the coronation lacked legitimacy because it was organised by what he described as a splinter group without broad consultation.

"Traditional leadership should emerge through consensus, not through actions that risk dividing the Samawadhal community. We respect our customs, but this process has created unnecessary tension. Dialogue should have come before any coronation ceremony," he said.

Amina Siyat said she was concerned that divisions were emerging at a time when unity was most needed.

"The Samawadhal community has always valued unity. We urge everyone to avoid actions or statements that could deepen existing disagreements and instead seek a peaceful and lasting resolution," she said.

The developments have again highlighted the role traditional leadership plays in Garissa politics.

Since the introduction of devolution in 2013, councils of elders have played a significant role in shaping political alignments by endorsing preferred candidates and persuading others to step aside in an effort to build consensus within the community.

The current Sultan, Hassan Omar Shurie, was crowned in May 2016. According to community elders, the sultanate is a hereditary position that was previously held by his late father, who they say opposed secession before he was killed.

The dispute over traditional leadership comes months after divisions emerged over the endorsement of Senator Abdul Haji for the 2027 Garissa gubernatorial race.

Sultan Hassan Omar Shurie of the Samawadhal community /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Ijara MP Abdi Ali at the coronation /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Sultan Hassan Omar Shurie hands over the certificate to Garissa governorship aspirant Abdul Haji in absentia in February /STEPHEN ASTARIKO