By Adan Macalin Barrow

Age has caught up with me. I am no longer as physically strong, mentally sharp, or emotionally composed as I once was.

The fire in my stride has dimmed, my voice wavers, and the resilience of my younger years flickers like a dying flame.

Many dismiss me—some call me redundant, others say I am retired, and a few, in their cruelty, whisper that I am irrelevant.

I neither protest nor embrace these labels, for time humbles all, and the world moves forward with or without us.

If my account of recent political events in Mandera County lacks fairness or accuracy, I ask for your understanding.

My memory may falter, but my heart holds steadfast to the truth. These events were not just political happenings; they tested the very soul of our people, strained the fragile threads of unity, and restored faith where it had begun to fade.

Senator Ali Roba’s visit to Elwak for the inauguration of the Roba Foundation came amid heightened political tension.

A dispute within the Addola community had aligned factions with rival powerhouses—one supporting Roba, the other backing Jari in a calculated political move.

Resistance to Roba’s visit led to a symbolic boycott, deepening divisions and amplifying discord across Addola settlements.

A delegation of senators toured Mandera, witnessing firsthand the impact of devolution.

The scale of infrastructural and socio-economic advancements left them in awe. So impressed were they that they publicly endorsed the county’s inaugural governor as a potential presidential contender, urging him to seek the nation’s highest office.

Legislator Khalif, the nominated MP, convened a secret meeting at Weston Hotel, Nairobi, bringing together unsuccessful candidates from the last elections.

Their agenda was to unite against the current administration, but bitterness and resentment overshadowed any constructive dialogue.

Realizing the toxic nature of the discussions, I left early. Khalif, in an astonishing show of confidence, pledged to bankroll the entire operation.

The opposition’s attempt to gain a foothold in Mandera through a grand UDA office launch failed miserably. Expecting mass support, they poured millions into mobilization, only to be met with indifference.

The people of Mandera, politically discerning, saw through the charade. With no tangible contributions to the county’s progress, their effort ended in humiliation.

In contrast, the arrival of the UDM brigade was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Thousands braved the heat to welcome them, turning a short drive from the airstrip into a two-hour celebration.

The outpouring of support demonstrated the deep connection between the county’s leadership and its people, silencing critics who had underestimated this bond.

Desperate to claim credit, the Mandera East MP falsely portrayed himself as the force behind the deployment of power engines to the county.

Flooding social media with self-congratulatory posts, he conveniently ignored the governor’s prior efforts in engaging the Ministry of Energy. The public, already well aware of the truth, swiftly dismissed his claims.

The President’s visit exposed the stark contrast between the county administration and the opposition.

While the leadership sought to showcase achievements and advocate for fair resource allocation, the opposition focused solely on undermining the administration. Mr. Jari, granted a chance to speak, squandered it with an ill-advised tirade.

His efforts backfired when the President, visibly impressed with Mandera’s progress, publicly commended the county’s leadership.

Further attempts to disrupt a leaders’ meeting at the Governor’s residence also failed, with the Mandera East MP retreating in embarrassment.

Recognizing deepening divisions, the Governor initiated a mediation effort to unite the Addola community.

The conference, held at Hotel Granada, faced early resistance, with political forces led by Jari attempting to sabotage the process.

However, by the third day, tensions eased, and a breakthrough was reached. Senator Roba’s heartfelt speech sealed a historic agreement: the Addola, Assare, and Reer Ali communities pledged unity, reaffirmed allegiance to UDM, and vowed support for the Governor’s second term.

The reconciliation efforts culminated in a day of gratitude—to Allah for guiding the process, to the Senator for his statesmanship, and to the Governor for his unwavering leadership.

The message is now clear: Mandera’s future belongs to those committed to unity, development, and service—not those driven by division and propaganda.

Mandera has turned a corner. The trials of division have strengthened our resolve, and our people have spoken through their actions. Leadership is about service, not power.

Those who seek to divide will find themselves irrelevant, while those who unite will shape Mandera’s destiny.

Hon. Adan Macalin Barrow is a Former Member of Parliament for Mandera West.