The battle for Garissa governorship seat continues to attract aspirants with the latest to join the race being retired educationist Habat Sheikh.
Habat, served as a public servant for 42 years, rising through the ranks from a P1 teacher, AEO, DEO before being posted to the Ministry of Education headquarters where he again climbed up the ranks to become the director of adult education.
In an interview with the Star at his residence on Saturday, Habat, who retired early this year, said he still has the energy to serve his community at the level of a governor.
“Although I have been serving my community in one way or another, I want to dedicate all my energy now to my community and which better way to do it other than through politics where I can directly influence decisions,” said Habat.
Habat, who has been endorsed by his subclan of Rer Muse is hoping for a nod from the main clan of Awdhaq.
The eight-member Awdhaq Council of Elders that is headed by Sultan Dehow Sambul has seven subclans namely Rer Harun, Rer Musa, Rer Gulleid, Aden Gerry, Rer Yahya, Rer Kassim and Rer Mahat.
Habat said that over the years the clan elders have done a commendable job in picking candidates for various seats who have in turn succeeded in capturing them.
“I am a firm believer of the process which has kept us together as a clan for centuries and earned us respect with other communities over the years. Unfortunately we have certain leaders who belittle the council of elders that should stop; personally I will respect the outcome,” he said.
“I already presented all my requirements to the council and I am optimistic that the verdict will favor me; but God forbid if am not picked then we will have to again and chart the way forward. but at the end of the day there will be sacrifices by all the candidates from my clan if we are to clinch the seat, we don’t want a repeat of what happened in 2013,”he said.
He was referring to the 2013 election where the Awdhaq clan had two candidates at the ballot for the governorship seat, while their main rival clan had one-Nathif Jama who ended up winning after the two shared the votes.
The retired educationist who holds a bachelors degree in education and arts and a Masters degree in leadership said that he has the required experience to lead the people of Garissa county and propel the county to higher heights.
He said if nominated by his clan and subsequently elected by the residents he will prioritize agriculture and more so livestock, health water and the education sector. noting that even though education is a national government function complementing it will go along way in improving the standards.
Other candidates who have declared interest for the governor seat include incumbent Ali Korane, former governor Nathif Jama, former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye and Dekow Maalim.