Political activity in Wajir County is steadily gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with a growing number of aspirants positioning themselves for various elective seats. Among those preparing to seek office is Ahmed Abdishakur, widely known as Ndugu Shaks, the former Director of Communications and Press Service for the County Government of Wajir during the administration of Governor Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Mohamed (MAM).
Ahmed Abdishakur has emerged as a key contender for the Waberi Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat, bringing with him a background shaped by both grassroots experiences and senior public service roles.
His entry into the race has drawn attention not only because of his previous position in county government, but also due to his long-standing engagement in leadership, political mobilization, and community advocacy.
Born and raised in Waberi location, Ahmed is widely regarded as a native of the ward whose upbringing closely mirrors the realities faced by many residents. Growing up in Wajir, he encountered challenges common across the ward, including limited access to essential services, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and a sense of marginalization that has historically affected parts of North Eastern Kenya. Those experiences, he has often noted in public engagements, have shaped his understanding of local priorities and the expectations residents place on elected leaders.
His supporters describe him as a candidate whose personal history is closely intertwined with that of the community, arguing that this connection gives him a practical appreciation of the issues that continue to dominate local discourse.
As Waberi Ward residents increasingly call for leadership that combines familiarity with the ground realities and the ability to navigate county governance structures, Abdishakur’s profile has positioned him as a figure worth close attention.
From Student Leadership to County Government and Regional Engagement
Ahmed Abdishakur’s leadership trajectory began at an early age and has followed a consistent path of representation and advocacy. During his primary school years, he headed the Debating Club and emerged as one of the institution’s best performers in public speaking. In secondary school, he served as Secretary General of the Journalism Club, further developing his interest in communication, public affairs, and civic engagement.
At university, his involvement in leadership deepened. He was elected Faculty Member of Parliament and later served as Guild Minister for Trade and Investments, roles that exposed him to policy discussions, student representation, and organizational leadership. These early experiences laid the foundation for his later work in political communication and public service.
His political profile rose significantly during the previous Wajir County administration. Ahmed Abdishakur played an instrumental role in political mobilization and campaign strategy that contributed to the election victory of Governor Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Mohamed. Following the election, he was appointed Director of Communications and Press Service and Head of the Governor’s Service, a position he held from 2017 to 2022.
In that role, he oversaw county communication strategy, coordinated political messaging, managed public accountability forums, and served as a critical link between the executive, the county assembly, the public, and the media. His responsibilities placed him at the center of county governance, where he worked closely with senior officials, development partners, journalists, and community stakeholders.
The role also required balancing political communication with public information needs, a task that demanded both strategic thinking and sensitivity to public concerns.
Beyond county government, Abdishakur brings over a decade of professional experience working across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. He currently serves as a Regional Communications Officer with RACIDA, overseeing strategic communication activities across the three countries. His regional role involves coordination with diverse partners and institutions, further broadening his exposure to development-oriented programming and cross-border engagement.
Previously, he worked as Manager of Radio Sahan 89.2 FM in Garowe, and as a Media for Peacebuilding Officer with Somali Family Services, roles that strengthened his experience in media management, conflict-sensitive communication, and community-centered development. These positions expanded his professional networks while grounding his work in social cohesion, peacebuilding, and public dialogue.
Observers note that one of Abdishakur’s defining strengths lies in his ability to mobilize support and engage effectively across different segments of society. His experience in political campaigns, media, government operations, and stakeholder engagement has given him a broad understanding of how leadership functions both at the grassroots and institutional levels.
As he prepares to contest the Waberi Ward MCA seat, these skills are increasingly viewed as assets in a competitive political environment.
As Waberi Ward looks ahead to the next electoral cycle, Ahmed Abdishakur presents himself as a leader shaped by local experience but informed by wider exposure. His candidacy reflects a blend of lived community realities, administrative experience, and political strategy. Supporters argue that his background positions him to articulate the ward’s priorities more effectively within county government structures, while critics and voters alike are expected to closely scrutinize how his experience translates into concrete development outcomes.
With the race still taking shape, Abdishakur’s entry adds a significant dimension to the Waberi Ward contest, setting the stage for a campaign that will likely center on representation, development, and accountability in one of Wajir County’s key wards.