Political tensions in Wajir County have subsided following a short-lived standoff over who lobbied President William Ruto to host the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in the county, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed on Wednesday.
The disagreement, which dominated social media conversations late last week, pitted Governor Abdullahi’s supporters against allies of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over credit for securing the national event.
Some MPs claimed Duale lobbied the president, while the governor’s camp insisted he made the final push.
“There is no division in Wajir,” Governor Abdullahi told reporters at the county commissioners’ office.
“These are propaganda and rumours designed to create confusion. All leaders, including MPs, will attend Madaraka Day and are part of the planning committee.”
The incident follows a broader power struggle that emerged in December 2025, when Duale’s allies and the governor’s camp clashed over political supremacy in Northern Kenya.
Wajir North MP Ibrahim Saney publicly accused Duale of demanding all politicians “speak his language” or face oblivion, igniting a series of public exchanges between the camps.
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Governor Abdullahi, who chairs the Council of Governors, dismissed the rift claims and credited President Ruto for Wajir’s recent development initiatives.
“President Ruto is the one who brought Madaraka Day to Wajir,” he said. “We are all united in celebrating this milestone.”
The National Celebrations Steering Committee (NCSC) has since taken full control of organising the event to ensure smooth proceedings.
MPs previously denied plans to boycott the celebrations, with several confirming their attendance at the June 1 event at Wajir Stadium.
This year’s Madaraka Day carries the theme “Education, Skills and the Future,” with President Ruto expected to preside over the national celebrations.
The event comes as Wajir gears up to showcase its development progress, including ongoing infrastructure projects and security improvements.
Excitement in Wajir
Political analysts note that such tensions are common ahead of high-profile national events, particularly in counties where multiple leaders vie for recognition.
However, the swift resolution in Wajir demonstrates the county’s political maturity and commitment to unity.
Residents remain excited about hosting the presidency, with markets and lodges already booked solid.
The county government has deployed additional security and sanitation teams to ensure a smooth celebration.