A week long Gharri conference in Gharri district ended on Saturday December 31, 2011. The conference participants were consists of Gharri educators, Politians, Community elders and the Gharri Elders of congress. According to information received from El Wak, Central Gharri region, they have reached an agreement choosing four candidates that will represent the Gharri people and participants in the upcoming Kenyan general election. They include former Mandera West MP Mr. Mohammed Abdow, the current MP and Assistant minister Mr. Mohamud Mohamed.
History has been made in December 2011. This latest Gharri conference was the first and one of its kinds in our life time in Kenyan politics and the Gharri people in particular where all the Gharri people in different walks of life and interests got together and agreed on candidates of their choice to run unopposed for political offices. Not that long ago where we thought the Gharri people were finished for good because we felt we lost our sanctuary, the El Wak parliamentary sit. But, now I say thanks to Allah the almighty we lost that sit. If one of the Gharri people won that sit, we would have not been able to accomplish what we have achieved so far.
I believe that the tasks undertaken by the united Gharri elders were undoubtedly a model to be followed by all African ethnic groups. Furthermore, I believe that this Gharri agreement not only harmonizes brotherhood amongst us, but also, promotes a strong community. Therefore, I salute them for a Job well done.
Also, the Kenyan government planning Minister, Mr. Wycliffe Oparanya has announced on Sunday January 01, 2012, that the government has suspended plans to conduct a repeat census in the North Eastern province were the results of 2010 Census was canceled. He sighted the lack of security that made it impossible to conduct fresh census counts there in from the North Eastern Province and not having enough time between now and the upcoming election.
The Minster mentioned the names of the districts that were affected by the security problem; such as Wajir, Lagdera, Turkana central, Turkana East and Turkana West were the last census results were disputed. But, he did not mention Mandera East, Mandera Central and Mandera West where the Census outcomes were disputed as well and the matter is still pending in court as we speak.
Furthermore, Mr. Oparanya failed short that he did not mentioned if the government is going to accept the 2010 Census results or if it will try it again later when the security situation improves.