Banisa elders' pick ignites row over negotiated democracy

When bearded clan members in exclusive conclaves converse and determine who will become a governor or represent the people in the senate, national assembly or county assembly, ultimately pick their choice, is this a form of democracy?  

The looming Banisa by-election has revived this controversial debate about the rare  form  of negotiated democracy. This follows claims that elders have endorsed the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Ahmed Maalim Hassan who is brother to the former MP Kullow Maalim.

On September 13, Mandera governor Mohamed Adan Khalif announced that after crisscrossing the country together with other elected leaders and elders, their candidate was accepted by the community.

“In the course of our interactions with elders, women, and youth, we were greatly encouraged by the overwhelming expression of support for the UDA aspirant, Ahmed Maalim Hassan (popularly known as Barre). We sincerely appreciate the community for its warm reception and unwavering support. We look forward to working hand in hand to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Banisa,” the governor announced.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP’s candidate Aden Mohammed who had started campaigning for the Parliamentary seat has slowed down his campaigns and  the Party Secretary General Hezron Ombaga now says he was not aware of the status of the party’s candidate.

With the issue of negotiated democracy playing a central role in determining who gets what position in Northern Kenya, concerns have been raised about the transparency of the process with those against it terming it a breeding ground for incompetent and monied leaders who are subjects of a few elders and not accountable to the electorate.

Osman Sheriff, an Isiolo-based politician and political analyst, said he was a victim of the clan-based politics and said the Northern region is lagging behind on development because of negotiated democracy, because when the elected leaders satisfy the elders, they don’t initiate development projects.

“Before devolution, we used to complain that the North Eastern region was left behind because the resource allocation was not equal but after devolution, clan-based politics is the major issue barring development on the region, inefficient leaders are forced into the people while good and articulate leaders without money to bribe the elders are denied a platform to lead,” said Sheriff.

The politician who hails from the Somali community in Isiolo said the elders  rejected his candidacy and informed him that they had associated themselves with Governor Abdi Guyo. They said it had been agreed that his community would get a position of the County Executive Member for Lands should Guyo clinch the gubernatorial seat.

 He claimed that candidates bribe the elders, who then use their influence to their clan members.

“Tribalism is highly rooted in pastoralist communities and major clans have always had their way. The elder’s duty was to mediate conflicts but over time, they abrogated themselves the duty of determining who will get what elective position,” he added. 

Separately, Isak Hassan Abey, the national chairman of Economic Freedom Party believes that democracy in Northern Kenya has been stifled by clanism which is currently overshadowed by money.

“Democracy in Northern Kenya is dying, and genuine leaders have been locked out by clanism. We have reached a point where only the moneyed can now access leadership positions.” 

He claims that on average, a vote in the region costs about  Sh10,000.  Candidates are spending enormous amounts, and without a billion shillings, it's impossible to successfully vie as governor.

The governor, in turn, with the assistance of the clan determines who becomes a senator and woman representative. 

Estimates by leaders put the cost of mounting a parliamentary campaign at Sh20 million, while an MCA will spend roughly Sh30 million. Regardless of their popularity, a leader can not dream of seeing parliament.

 However, Galma Dabasso, the chairperson of Borana Council of Elders from Marsabit maintained that negotiated democracy was the best form of governance, which accommodates all clans.

He explained that the clan-based politics also known as the Gada system of governance, has regulated political, economic, social and religious activities of their community, adding that it had ensured peaceful co-existence amongst the pastoralist communities.

 “The elders who vet the politicians come from every clan and because they are noble and respected, they ensure that we get the competent politicians to lead, and since the literacy levels are low in our community, the wisdom of our elders ensures that we get the right men for the job,” elder Dabasso said.

He defended the system of governance, saying the process of selecting elders who are known as abbagada was above board as they are chosen by consensus to form a group of nine leaders known as Salgan yaa’ii Borana (the nine Borana assemblies)

He said five individuals rotate leadership amongst themselves, with each ruling for eight years and after 40 years of leadership, they pass over the leadership mantle to other clans. This system has ensured there are no leadership wrangles.

“The firstborn sons of Sabo and Gona clans are identified as the future leaders and are regularly guided and counseled on how to become reputable and well-mannered elders so that by the time they are 40, they are integrated as elders. They become incorruptible and wise elders who can never agree to be bribed,” the elder added.

However, Mohammed Kassan, a political analyst from Mander, differed, saying the Gada system was not an inclusive but exclusive club of men with women denied opportunities to preside over the future of their communities.