Opinion-By Adan Mohamed Shabure
I recall, with great pain, the voices of our current leaders as they made bold promises to the people of Mandera County. Their words ignited hope during those electrifying political times. It is difficult to fully capture and express that energy through the cold lens of print. Yet, there was genuine excitement then, excitement born of high expectations. Many sacrificed everything in the name of unity and support of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
From every corner of this nation and beyond, those who felt a deep connection to Mandera contributed what they could, money, time, and energy, with the hope of victory in the 9 August 2022 general elections. That victory was achieved, bringing with it a collective sigh of relief and a strong belief that brighter days lay ahead. No one doubted it.
But today, any keen observer will see a troubling contrast between those hopeful days and the grim present. The very individuals whose voices once lifted our spirits have betrayed our trust. They have looted over KSh150 billion allocated to Mandera County, plunging it into unimaginable hardship. As if this betrayal were not enough, they continue to pursue selfish ambitions, driven by corruption, nepotism, favouritism, land grabbing, exacerbating poverty and conflict. And now, shamelessly, they seek re-election, business as usual.
It makes one long for a miracle, a thunderclap, or any form of awakening that might rouse our people to the painful reality: that these ungrateful leaders have enriched themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens. We danced ourselves lame in their support, yet today we have nothing to show for it.
None of the promises made during the last election have been honoured, not in healthcare, education, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure, employment, security, mining, local industry, or job creation. Public and private lands continue to be grabbed. These promises remain mere dreams, and the current situation is worse than ever before.
After more than 12 years of unfolding political complexity, the time has come for a comprehensive reflection on the state of our county. We must ask ourselves difficult questions, questions that could lead to real, lasting solutions for the challenges tormenting Mandera, both now and in the years to come. As our people suffer under the weight of rampant corruption and gross political incompetence, particularly from our current Governor, Hon. Mohamed Adan Khalif; our Senator, Hon. Ali Ibrahim Roba; and the MCAs, our only remaining weapon is our resolve.
That resolve must lead us down a new path to address our political crisis. It will not be easy.
The key lies in how we choose our leaders. Leadership must be redefined. It must include individuals at every level, from MCAs to the governor and senator. Mandera must cultivate a people-driven political system, one that involves every citizen, young and old, men and women, in reshaping governance from the grassroots to the highest office.
This new system must confront and dismantle the entrenched practices of godfatherism, favouritism, nepotism, and rampant land grabbing. We must reject this corrupt and archaic culture, in which a few wealthy individuals impose handpicked candidates while silencing dissent.
Future generations will not forgive us if we allow mediocrity to flourish, laying the foundation for tyranny and the erosion of society. We cannot remain silent as good governance is torn apart to serve the interests of the few.
This, in my humble opinion, is the current state of affairs in Mandera County.
As you read and reflect on this lamentable situation, my brothers and sisters, pause and pray for Almighty guidance. Let us recognise that among us, within our own communities, are men and women with the knowledge, passion, and networks to take up this challenge. And by aligning ourselves with truth and reality, we will, at last, see the long-awaited light at the end of the tunnel.
