Weak Borana Council Of Elders And It's Impact On 2017 Elections

ANALYSIS

Council of elders has existed in the Borana society for thousands of years as an institution to manage social, religious, judicial and political aspects of the Borana community.

This well-functioning social-cultural organisation is what has kept the community together by playing significant role in maintaining order and progress in the Borana society.

However, this institution of elders has witnessed gradual decline in influence and relevance over the last couple of years owing to contemporary development/civilization, political meddling and religious factors.

Thus, Borana Council Of Elders has become weak and disenfranchised.

One would expect Borana Council Of Elders (consisting members of all Borana clans) to gather and endorse candidates based on consensus and development records. However, recent events where Isiolo residents were thrown into confusion after different clans held separate gatherings marred by infighting and where rival factions of the same clan endorsed different candidates e.g Karayu clan endorsing Bahari and Kabelo while Godana Doyo and Hussein Golicha both claiming approval by Jima elders is a clear evidence Borana elders institution is disorganised and on the brink of collapse.

The Elders institution has been scuttled further by wealthy elites jostling for political power as they seek to entice and influence sections of elders thereby creating competing factions within the body.

FORECAST

As we fast approach electioneering year, more elites are expected to exploit loopholes/weaknesses in the institution of elders to seek endorsement.

With the infighting within the elders ranks and multiple endorsements, the council of elders will loose credibility in the eyes of voters as a trusted entity to chat Borana's political destiny.

The electorate will then turn away from elders and gauge aspirants according to their manifesto or who is more appealing and accommodative to their interests. At this point, the council of elders will loose relevance completely and die a natural death.

Non-Borana candidates who are harbouring interests for political seats but currently keeping their cards under the table (to taste political waters) are expected to throw their hats into the ring in the coming months. Will a non-Borana candidate vie for Isiolo 2017 Gubernatorial seat? Very likely. Will the next Isiolo Governor still be a Borana? Who knows.

Alliances are likely to be formed as "weaker" candidates step down for stronger ones after securing behind the scenes deals/ secret pacts. E.g Bahari may withdraw and back Kabelo or vice verser. Alternatively, Governor Doyo may form an alliance with key candidate who will be given deputy governor's slot in exchange for support. Kabelo and Hussein Golicha may get into a political marriage. In politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies.

Next year's Isiolo County Gubernatorial race is expected to be hotly contested ever, so expect a lot of surprises as we approach the elections.

Isiolo Newswire urges voters to thoroughly scrutinise aspirants based on their manifesto and what they intend to do differently to uplift the standards of living of Isiolo residents rather than their ethnic background.