By Betty Luke
Growing divisions in the Somali community are slowly causing discomfort among a section of the community leaders and elders.
The divisions arose following recent public announcement by some of the Somali clans that they were supporting Jubilee gubernatorial candidate Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and Senator Fatuma Dullo against their elders will.
The Somali Council of Elders has through Chairperson Shariff Abdullahi maintained that the community is solidly behind former Governor Godana Doyo who has their son Omar Hassan as his running mate in his comeback bid.
Mr Shariff, who was at one time on the spot over alleged inflammatory remarks, has termed the developments as a walk in the wrong direction.
In a clip that is circulating online, the seemingly angry elder calls the Somalis to order saying he is disappointed with the move and that “the community will get nothing on the other political side”.
“I am very disappointed seeing some Somalis following people who cannot help them. It is sad that they are not concerned about their rights and trading their votes for handouts. Where are your senses?” he posed.
In a jab seen to be directed towards Asheraf clan, the latest to announce their change of heart, Mr Shariff said it was sad that they hosted at their homes leaders who are not concerned about their welfare.
He wondered why some of the Somalis were blindly following Mr Guyo and Ms Dullo while the community has not been assured of anything should the leaders be elected.
“Doyo has a Somali deputy. Why are you (Somalis) supporting someone with a running mate from Turkana community?” he posed while asking the residents not the tarnish the community’s image due to handouts.
He said Mr Guyo’s leadership would not be any different from that of the outgoing Governor Mohammed Kuti who he claimed had nothing significant to show for his 20 years in various elective seats.
The elder said all Somalis of goodwill must reject such “arrangements” and rally behind leaders who have pledged to uplift the lives of their people.
Mr Shariff said they will disown anyone who goes against the elders’ directive.
