By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
17 January 2026 - High-octane political rallies are expected this weekend, with heavyweight political supremos set to take the stage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Garissa Governor Ali Korane and former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye are expected to hold rallies over the weekend and officially launch their campaigns.
The duo’s handlers have been crisscrossing Garissa town on Thursday and Friday with huge loudspeakers to announce the political meetings.
While Korane is expected to make rounds within Garissa town and address crowds in different places within Garissa township, Shidiye is expected to present an application to the Aulihan Council of Elders.
In the advent of devolution, elders play a critical role in shaping and whipping their respective clans to vote in a certain way.
Korane is vying to make a comeback at the helm, while Shidiye will be making a second stab at the gubernatorial seat.
In 2022, Shidiye, who had announced his intention to vie for the seat, was prevailed upon by Aulihan elders to step down in favour of the current Governor, Nathif Jama.
Former Fafi Member of Parliament Elyas Bare Shill, who is supporting the former Governor, urged residents to come out in large numbers to support Korane.
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Shill gave out the routes the former Governor will be passing, where he said the former Governor will address rallies in different places, including Suq Mugdi (Dark Market).
Shidiye, on the other hand, is expected to be endorsed by his Aulihan council of elders and afterwards address rallies of supporters within Garissa township.
Shidiye was first elected MP for Lagdera Constituency in 1997 on a KANU ticket and also served as Deputy Government Chief Whip during that term.
He lost the seat in 2002 to Abdillahi Sheikh Dahir and again in 2007 to Farah Maalim.
He returned to Parliament in 2013, winning the Lagdera seat on a TNA (Jubilee Coalition) ticket, and served through the 11th Parliament (2013–2017).
“We have not benefited from the 14 years of devolution. I believe I’m the change and will ensure prudent use of devolved resources,” said Shidiye at a recent public rally in Garissa.
