Rigathi Gachagua’s Banisa Candidate Adan Mohamed Quits Race After State House Visit
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has suffered a blow after its candidate in the Banisa by-election withdrew from the race.
Adan Mohamed, popularly known as Kiongozi, announced he would not contest the seat left vacant after the death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan in March 2023.
Mr Mohamed said he made the decision after consulting with Mandera elders, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and President William Ruto. He said he was persuaded to step aside for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Ahmed Maalim Hassan alias Barre, the late MP’s brother.
“I have listened to my community which has asked me to shelve my ambition and wait until 2027. The council of elders and the President asked me to step down and I believe this is the right decision for Banisa,” he said.
The former ODM member dismissed claims he was bribed to drop out. “I have heard I was given Sh100 million. I was given nothing. My decision is purely based on community interest,” he added.
Mr Mohamed said his withdrawal was also about showing sympathy to the late MP’s family. He confirmed elders promised to back him for an unopposed political seat in 2027.
The move has caused controversy within DCP. Secretary-General Hezron Obaga accused State House of using “underhand tactics” to pressure their candidates to step down. “Our aspirants are under immense pressure to withdraw. If Mohamed has bowed out then the plan has succeeded,” Mr Obaga said, alleging those who quit were being paid Sh10 million to Sh15 million.
Despite Mr Mohamed’s denial, the withdrawal leaves DCP without a candidate in Banisa. The party will now focus on other races including Magarini, Malava, Kasipul and 11 ward by-elections across the country.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has given political parties until October 2, 2025 to submit final lists of candidates.With Mohamed out of the way, the Banisa race is now between UDA’s Barre, Nurdin Dalato who defected from Jubilee to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) recently and Issack Malele of People Progressive Party (PLP). Both Dalato and Malele have said they will not withdraw.
Governor Khalif who played a key role in convincing Mohamed to step down described the move as a unifying gesture. “We want our candidate to go unopposed. The community supports Barre overwhelmingly,” he said.
Local reactions are mixed with some residents hailing the decision as a sign of unity while others accused outside forces of undermining democracy in the constituency.
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Rigathi Gachagua’s Banisa Candidate Adan Mohamed Quits Race After State House Visit