Author: Abdihakim Siyad

The political temperature around North Eastern Kenya rose sharply after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly questioned the performance, integrity, and accountability of leaders from the region. His remarks touching on underdevelopment, misuse of public funds, and leadership failure came at a time when North Eastern continues to grapple with devastating drought, fragile health systems, and decades-old infrastructure gaps. Gachagua’s argument, stripped of politics, rested on two claims: that despite devolution and billions allocated to counties, North Eastern Kenya remains underdevelope, and that regional leaders must be held accountable for this reality.  These statements resonated with some national figures…

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…

What was scheduled as a routine roundtable interview between Northern Kenya media practitioners and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua instead detonated into one of the most confrontational political moments the region has witnessed since the beginning of devolution. The interview, initially canceled by an umbrella body representing local radio stations and digital platforms, was later partially aired yet even in its disrupted form, its impact was seismic. Speaking with urgency, Gachagua accused political leaders from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Turkana of abandoning their people, looting public funds, intimidating journalists, and insulating themselves in Nairobi and Dubai while ordinary…

The last‑minute cancellation of a planned roundtable interview between Northern Kenya media outlets and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has triggered a conversation that goes far beyond a single broadcast. At its core lies a difficult but necessary question: were the region’s media practitioners exercising principled editorial judgment, or did political pressure and caution shape their decision? The interview, scheduled for Thursday evening, January 22, was meant to bring together multiple local radio stations and digital media platforms from Northern Kenya in a moderated discussion with Gachagua. Its abrupt cancellation, announced just hours before airtime, immediately drew attention not only…

In recent years, TikTok has evolved from a casual entertainment app into one of the most influential forces shaping youth behavior across the world. In Somali communities particularly in Eastleigh, Nairobi, and across North Eastern Kenya this influence is no longer subtle. It is visible on the streets, in public spaces, and increasingly in police stations. What began as short, playful videos has turned into a troubling trend where some young people engage in risky, disruptive, and culturally inappropriate behavior purely for views, likes, and online attention. From harassing pedestrians in Eastleigh to staging dangerous stunts on highways in North Eastern…

For years, negotiated democracy has been presented as the political lifeline of North Eastern Kenya. Clan elders would meet, vet candidates, distribute key political seats, and argue that consensus was the only way to preserve peace in a fragile region. That system once served a purpose. Today, however, it is increasingly being questioned and rightly so. As early campaigns for the August 2027 General Elections gain momentum, a noticeable shift is taking place across Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. Young people are stepping forward to contest for governor, MP, and MCA seats without waiting for elders’ endorsements. This is not a…

This week, Donald Trump once again mentioned “Somalia” and “Somalis” multiple times so often that it feels like he has made the country a permanent part of his political speech. His anti-Somali rhetoric even reached the global stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he spent minutes attacking Somalia and Somalis. The irony is that Trump’s repeated references to Somalia do not show Somalia’s weakness they show his desperation. His script is designed to paint Somalia as a symbol of failure, a place that confirms his worldview. But the truth is that Somalia has changed. The country is not…

Raila Odinga’s death marked a major turning point in Kenyan politics. For decades, Raila had been the face of ODM, the party that became a symbol of opposition and change in Kenya. His leadership united many communities and shaped the political narrative of the country. His absence, therefore, left many questioning the future of ODM. Would the party remain strong, or would it fall into internal divisions and factionalism? MP Junet Mohammed, a long-time ally of Raila and a senior ODM leader, has been quick to dismiss claims that the party is collapsing. His comments suggest that ODM is not…

As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, political alliances are already shaping up across the country. For ODM, the future of the party is not just about surviving after the loss of Raila Odinga, but about how it positions itself strategically in the next political cycle. Minority leader Junet Mohammed, one of the party’s senior leaders, has shared a clear picture of ODM’s direction: a broad coalition, careful negotiations, and a commitment to maintaining the party’s independence. Junet’s statements suggest that ODM is not panicking or collapsing, but is actively preparing for a future where political success depends on partnerships and…

In the wake of Raila Odinga’s defeat in the 2022 presidential election, many political analysts and supporters have been searching for the reasons behind the loss. Some blame internal party issues, while others point to external interference. MP Junet Mohammed has offered his own version of events, one that combines both strategic mistakes and alleged betrayal by political actors who were expected to support Raila. Junet Mohammed is not a casual observer. He has been closely associated with Raila since he was 24 years old, and he has served in key leadership roles within ODM. He was Raila’s trusted ally…