In a significant political development, the Egal Sharmake family has officially endorsed the current Mandera County Assembly Speaker, Omar Mahamed Maalim, popularly known as Saala, as its preferred candidate for the Mandera East parliamentary seat in the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was announced in Nairobi following what were described as lengthy consultations among the clan’s elders.
Speaking on behalf of the family, its chair, Musa Osman Yaro, stated that the decision to back Mr. Maalim was unanimous.
Yaro, who is also a Director of the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, highlighted the candidate’s extensive track record in public service as the primary reason for their support. “We as the leaders from the Egal family have anonymously endorsed Mr Omar as our next member of parliament come 2027. His track record is very clear having served in various positions including as the speaker,” said Musa. He subsequently called upon the wider community to offer Maalim their full support.
The family leadership also used the platform to declare their political allegiance at the national level. Musa Osman Yaro categorically stated the community’s endorsement of President William Ruto’s bid for a second term in 2027. “I want also to take this opportunity and state categorical that as a community we have endorsed and support president William Ruto second term. His interest in the community is so big that we can’t neglect,” Yaro said, commending the President’s performance thus far.
In his response, Omar Maalim, a seasoned politician, expressed strong confidence in securing a victory in the upcoming election. He thanked the elders for overseeing a peaceful selection process and made a bold prediction about the outcome. “I want to thank everyone including our elders for ensuring that we have had a peaceful process. In 2027 I want to promise you that we will win with a landslide,” said Maalim, who previously held the Mandera East parliamentary seat after serving as the first Deputy Governor for Mandera County from 2013 to 2017. He is currently serving as the Speaker of the Mandera County Assembly.
The endorsement was further reinforced by Sheikh Ali Nur, who spoke on behalf of the council of elders. Emphasizing the need for unity, Sheikh Nur urged all members of the Egal Sharmake family to rally behind Maalim. He framed the candidate as the most qualified choice based on his experience. “Yes as elders we call upon all members of the Egal family Sharmake to support this candidate. He is best among the best. He has previously served us, and he is still serving us as the deputy Mandera county. Let us ensure that he is back in parliament come 2027,” Sheikh Nur stated. The event was also attended by other local leaders, including Abdikheir Aden Hussein, the Mandera County Director, who echoed the call for clan unity ahead of the 2027 general election. This coordinated show of support sets the stage for Omar Maalim’s campaign to return to the National Assembly, representing Mandera East.
[11:14, 06/10/2025] Fay:
