By Betty Luke
Former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo and Isiolo North MP Hassan Odha are likely to get their Borana community support in the 2022 general elections.
The duo together with ex-Isiolo Speaker Mohammed Tupi and Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa, sources say, are likely to be supported by the Borana Council of Elders.
Mr Tupi and Mr Doyo will be given greenlight to vie for Isiolo South MP and Governorship positions respectively when the elders will make the announcement on December 30.
Devolution CAS Abdul Bahari who had expressed interest in the Isiolo South MP seat has since relinquished the quest leaving Borana’s Mr Tupi, ex-MP Abdullahi Banticha and Mohammed Ibrahim Nur and incumbent Abdi Koropu from Sakuye community.
The BCE recently announced that they will pick Governor aspirant from Jima clan that Mr Doyo hails from.
Last week, Hussein Ibrahim Dalacha, who said is a member (elder) of the BCE, hinted on the revered council endorsing Mr Odha to seek reelection.
“We have been asked to tell you (Odha friends) that we as BCE have passed him to lead for five more years and ask you Samburus to support us,” Mr Ibrahim told Oldonyiro residents at Lebarsherik.
Ms Jaldesa will likely be named the community’s Woman Rep flagbearer with chances for her main competitor, Education CAS Mumina Bonaya slim.
The CAS previously hinted on likelihood of defying the elders’ verdict and vying without their blessings and maintained that women should be involved in picking of candidate for seats that are a preserve of the gender and not be solely decided upon by men.
Nominated MCA Mumina Konso has also expressed interest in the County MP seat.
Former EACC boss Halakhe Dida Waqo who was recently endorsed by his Karayu clan has also maintained that he will be on the ballot with or without the elders’ greenlight.
The community has already narrowed down to four gubernatorial aspirants after two were dropped.
An appeal by Mohammed Huka Jaldesa and Hussein Tene is being heard ahead of the expected verdict.
Sources told The Press Point that elders will on or before December 31 decide on who between Mr Doyo and Mathei Yunis will contest against Governor Mohamed Kuti.
Our sources revealed that two of the MP aspirants who will not be endorsed by the elders, will be offered County Secretary and Speaker seats in event Mr Doyo clinches the seat to prevent any divisions.
Analysts say the gubernatorial contest is a two horse race between Dr Kuti and Mr Doyo with the choice of coalitions and Deputy Governors likely to play a huge role in who becomes the next Isiolo Governor.
While Borana community’s initial idea was to have a Somali deputy, the option of picking from Turkana community is still open.
James Loasa who recently withdrew his Isiolo North MP candidature for ex-MP Joseph Samal is touted as among the likely persons to deputize either Mr Doyo or Dr Kuti.
In event, the Borana candidate picks Dr Loasa, Governor Kuti will go for Somali deputy.
While their votes are not as many as that of Boranas, Amerus or Turkanas, they are among the main campaign financiers and no single candidate would underestimate their influence owing to the resources they have due to their vast business networks.
The Somali community had months ago said it would field a Governor aspirant but sources revealed that their focus is on Isiolo North MP seat with Deputy Governor Abdi Issa among those being fronted to battle it out with MP Odha.
