An Iftar dinner organized to raise funds for Madarasatul Najah, a learning institution in Garissa County, saw an impressive Ksh 112 million collected in just two hours on Sunday evening.
The high-profile event, held at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi, was graced by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, and Governor Nadhif Jamah.
Also in attendance were MPs from Garissa County, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri, among other prominent figures.
Notably absent was Environment CS Aden Duale, who hails from the region.
His decision to skip the fundraiser has stirred political debate, with some attendees suggesting he underestimated the event’s success.
“He perhaps assumed the event wouldn’t achieve much without his presence, but reality proved otherwise,” said an associate familiar with the matter.
Duale did not immediately comment on his absence, though his team cited fasting as the reason.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
President William Ruto contributed Ksh 5 million, while Murkomen donated Ksh 3 million.
Joho and his associates gave Ksh 22 million, Governor Jamah and his allies raised Ksh 22.5 million, Senator Haji and his team collected Ksh 20 million, businessman Maalim Weli of BBS Mall in Eastleigh donated Ksh 10 million, and the owner of Seven Aside contributed Ksh 10 million.
Senator Haji praised the overwhelming support. “This was a huge success, and we are glad to be helping many in the community. No politics for now,” he remarked.
Political Undercurrents in Garissa
Garissa is shaping up to be a political battleground ahead of the 2027 elections, with several heavyweights eyeing the gubernatorial seat.
Among those expected to contest are former Governor Ali Korane, Senator Haji, and former MP and ambassador Mohamed Shidiye.
Korane and Haji, who have long-standing political ties dating back to the late Yusuf Haji’s era, could potentially form an alliance.
East African Community Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat has also signaled interest in the race.
Duale’s absence from the fundraiser is widely seen as a political misstep.
“This will haunt him in the end. He should have at least sent a donation,” remarked one political observer.
With alliances forming and rivalries deepening, Garissa’s political landscape is heating up, setting the stage for a fierce contest in 2027.
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