Politicians from Northeastern have united to form a leaders' forum to enhance collaboration and to advance shared prosperity, peace, unity and development.
The Northeast Political Leaders Forum is largely made up of politicians who lost in past general elections.
It brings together more than 50 politicians from Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties.
The politicians include former governors, senators, Woman Representatives and county assembly speakers.
Speaking on Saturday at the Bomas of Kenya, former Garissa Governor Ali Korane said they were united to advance the region's interest at the national level.
“We are here today as part of the leadership of the Northern Kenya political leadership not for any other reason but to make sure we have constructive engagements so our region remains part and parcel of the Kenya Kwanza government,” he said.
The five key agendas of the meeting were unity of purpose, the insecurity challenge, infrastructure development, dumping of toxic waste in the region and having a collective resolve and commitment to working with serving leaders from the region.
Former Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi said their coming together underscores the importance of collaboration in overcoming common challenges affecting their communities.
He said their unity efforts will have a positive impact on the lives of residents.
Garissa assembly majority leader Mohamed Abdi Farah praised the move, saying the formation of the forum came at the right time.
The Dadaab MCA expressed his confidence that the forum will serve as a platform for effective discussions, new solutions and meaningful action.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the successful launch of the Northeast Political Leaders Forum. It is truly inspiring to see leaders from the region putting aside their party and clan politics to forge a common ground,” he said.
“The foundation of this forum explains how the leaders are determined to put the interests of our people ahead of theirs. We will surely go far as a region, if we can all unite and address the challenges facing our communities.”
Those present included former Mandera Senator Mohamed Mohamud, former MPs Abdi Mude (Lafey), Abdikadir Osman (Balambala), Mohamed Dahiye (Dadaab), Mohamed Shidiye (Lagdera), Rashid Kassim (Wajir East) and Barre Shill (Fafi).
Others were Abdikarim Osman (Fafi), Ibrahim Abass (Ijara), Shukran Gure (Garissa Woman Representative), Ahmed Kolosh (Wajir West), Ahmed Sirat (Wajir South), Ahmed Bashane (Tarbaj), Fatuma Ibrahim (Wajir Woman Representative and Mohamed Elmi (Tarbaj).
