As the political season gradually gathers momentum ahead of Kenya’s next General Election, a familiar pattern is once again unfolding across North Eastern Kenya. Long before official campaigns begin, negotiations are already taking place in homes, hotels, community halls and elders’ meetings.
Across Wajir, Garissa and Mandera, clans are carefully positioning themselves, weighing political alliances and seeking consensus on who should carry their banner for the various elective seats. This tradition, commonly referred to as negotiated democracy, has shaped the region’s politics for years.
It has often minimized divisive election contests, but it has also raised an important question that Wajir residents must increasingly confront: should leadership be determined primarily by clan negotiations, or by the vision, competence and integrity of those seeking office?
Nowhere is that debate more relevant than in the race for the Wajir gubernatorial seat.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who secured a second term in 2022, is steadily approaching the final stretch of his administration. His tenure has witnessed several notable achievements alongside significant political and governance challenges, leaving behind a mixed legacy that voters will inevitably assess as conversations intensify over who should lead the county into its next chapter.
Among the defining moments of his administration was Wajir’s successful hosting of the 2026 Madaraka Day national celebrations. For decades, many residents of Northern Kenya had felt marginalized from major national events, making the celebration in Wajir far more than a ceremonial occasion.
It represented national recognition, greater visibility and a symbolic acknowledgement that the region deserves equal attention in Kenya’s development agenda. The event attracted the country’s top leadership, showcased Wajir to millions of Kenyans and accelerated infrastructure improvements that may otherwise have taken years to materialize.
Another landmark achievement was the completion and commissioning of the modern Wajir County Stadium, later officially named Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium during the Madaraka celebrations.
The facility has become one of the county’s most recognizable public investments, providing a venue for sports, youth empowerment, cultural activities and national events. Beyond football, the stadium symbolizes growing confidence that Wajir can host major national gatherings while opening opportunities for local talent.
The county government has also invested in road improvements, health facilities, water projects, education infrastructure and expansion of essential public services across various parts of the county. While implementation has differed from one area to another, many residents acknowledge that Wajir has experienced visible physical development during Ahmed Abdullahi’s second administration compared to previous years.
Yet development alone has not defined his tenure.
Politics in Wajir has remained intensely competitive, and disagreements among elected leaders have frequently overshadowed policy discussions. One of the most publicized disagreements emerged between Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and Wajir East Member of Parliament Adan Daud over the ownership of development projects in the county.
The dispute reflected a wider political contest over credit, influence and leadership rather than simply infrastructure itself. Competing public statements and differing narratives highlighted the growing tension between county and national leaders regarding who should receive recognition for projects implemented within Wajir.
Such disagreements may appear political on the surface, but they carry real consequences for ordinary citizens. When leaders become consumed by political rivalry, development risks becoming secondary. Residents ultimately care less about who claims ownership of a project than whether roads are completed, hospitals are equipped, schools improve learning outcomes, water reaches villages and employment opportunities expand for young people.
Beyond political disputes, the county administration has also faced scrutiny over financial accountability. Reports from the Auditor-General have questioned aspects of expenditure, procurement and financial management within the county government, raising concerns that require transparent responses and institutional reforms.
Like many devolved governments across Kenya, Wajir has been challenged to demonstrate stronger compliance with public finance regulations and improve accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money.
The Senate has similarly summoned Governor Ahmed Abdullahi on matters relating to county financial management and oversight. Such appearances before parliamentary oversight institutions are an important feature of constitutional accountability.
Regardless of political affiliation, county governments are expected to explain how public resources are utilized, address audit concerns and reassure citizens that development funds are managed prudently.
These governance questions form part of the broader evaluation that voters must undertake. Leadership cannot be measured solely by buildings, roads or public ceremonies. Equally important are transparency, institutional integrity, efficient service delivery and the ability to unite political stakeholders around a common development agenda.
As conversations about succession begin to dominate political discussions, the most important question should not simply be who comes from which clan or who commands the strongest political network. The more fundamental question is what kind of governor Wajir needs over the next five years.
The county continues to face enormous opportunities alongside equally significant challenges. Climate change continues to threaten pastoral livelihoods through recurring droughts. Youth unemployment remains a pressing concern despite a growing educated population.
Water insecurity still affects many communities. Healthcare access requires continued investment, while agricultural modernization, livestock value chains and cross-border trade remain underdeveloped despite enormous economic potential.
The next governor must therefore possess qualities that extend far beyond electoral popularity.
Wajir requires a leader capable of bringing people together after elections rather than governing through political divisions. The county has historically demonstrated remarkable resilience whenever unity has prevailed.
A governor who embraces inclusive leadership, consults all elected representatives regardless of political differences and prioritizes collective progress will likely deliver greater stability than one consumed by political competition.
Equally important is visionary leadership. The next administration must think beyond annual budgets and immediate political gains. Wajir needs long-term investments in water harvesting, irrigation where feasible, digital infrastructure, modern livestock markets, youth innovation centres, vocational training and partnerships that attract both public and private investment. The county’s strategic location near international borders presents opportunities that remain largely untapped.
Integrity must also become a defining characteristic of future leadership. Citizens increasingly demand transparent procurement processes, responsible management of county resources and regular communication regarding public expenditure. Trust between government and citizens grows when accountability is visible rather than promised.
Experience will undoubtedly matter, but experience alone cannot substitute for innovation. The next governor should understand both government systems and emerging economic realities. The future of Wajir will depend not only on county funding but also on attracting investors, strengthening entrepreneurship and positioning the county within regional economic corridors connecting Kenya to neighbouring countries.
Above all, Wajir deserves leadership that places development above politics. The county has often witnessed unnecessary political rivalries that slow implementation of projects.
Residents should expect a governor who works constructively with Members of Parliament, the Senator, the Woman Representative, Members of County Assembly, national government institutions, development partners and local communities. Cooperation should replace competition where public interest is concerned.
Negotiated democracy has become an enduring feature of North Eastern politics, and it may continue shaping future elections. However, negotiated democracy should not become negotiated mediocrity. If communities come together to agree on candidates, those negotiations should prioritize competence, integrity, vision and proven ability to deliver rather than clan arithmetic alone.
The coming gubernatorial election therefore represents more than a contest between personalities or communities. It is an opportunity for Wajir residents to define the direction of their county for another generation.
The decisions made in elders’ meetings, political consultations and eventually at the ballot box will determine whether Wajir accelerates its development journey or merely continues existing political traditions without meaningful transformation.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi’s administration has undoubtedly left visible marks on the county through infrastructure development, national recognition and expanded public investments. At the same time, political disagreements, governance concerns and questions surrounding accountability remind voters that development is never complete and leadership is always open to public evaluation.
As succession politics gathers pace, Wajir’s greatest challenge is not simply identifying the next governor. It is identifying the right governor one who can preserve the gains already achieved, correct the shortcomings that remain and inspire a future where every resident, regardless of clan or constituency, feels equally represented, equally valued and equally entitled to the promise of devolution.
That, ultimately, is the leadership Wajir deserves.