In a democratic and multi-ethnic society like Kenya, fair representation in national governance is not just a moral obligation but a constitutional imperative.
However, the Sakuye community—a vital part of Kenya’s socio-political fabric—finds itself sidelined in the recent government appointments by President William Samoei Ruto.
Despite numerous appointments made in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, spanning cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, directors, Chief Executive Officers(CEOs), and Chief Registration Officers (CROs) in various government ministries and parastatals, no single individual from the Sakuye community has been included.
This exclusion raises pressing concerns about the constitutional principle of ethnic balance in government appointments, the political marginalization of minority communities, and the broader implications for national unity.
The Issue of Representation and Ethnic Balance
The Kenyan Constitution, under Article 10 and Article 232, enshrines the principles of inclusivity, non-discrimination, and fair representation in public service.
The National Cohesion and Integration Act (2008) further mandates equitable ethnic representation to ensure that all communities—majority and minority alike—are fairly included in national governance.
Now, in Northern Kenya, and indeed the larger North-Eastern Kenya, nearly every pastoralist community have been represented, some with multiple appointees, save for the Sakuye Community.
The absence of any Sakuye appointee in the national government suggests a deviation from these constitutional and legal provisions.
The question then arises: Why has the Sakuye community been overlooked, despite being an integral part of Marsabit and Isiolo, regions that have seen several appointments across nearly all ethnic communities?
Qualified, Yet Overlooked: The Unjust Exclusion of the Sakuye
One of the most frustrating aspects of this marginalization is that the Sakuye community is not lacking in capable individuals who can serve at the highest levels of government.
Among them are highly educated professionals, seasoned leaders, and experts in various fields who have demonstrated their competence in both public and private sectors.
For instance, Dr. Abdub Ido and Dr. Rukia Atikiya—both PhD holders—are distinguished scholars, with Dr. Abkiya having previously served as a lecturer at the prestigious Kenyatta University.
In the medical field, the Sakuye community boasts professionals like Dr. Mohamed Abdi Kuti, the immediate former governor of Isiolo County.
Dr. Kuti is, in fact, the last Sakuye person to hold a national government position, having served as an Assistant Minister, later promoted to Minister for Youth, and eventually as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries in President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
In a nutshell, individuals from the Sakuye community have not had a single national government appointment under the so-called New Constitution which was promulgated in 2010.
Dr. Hussein Abqallo, a phD fellow from Japan’s Nagasaki University is a son of this community who would have added value to the governance in this country.
Dr. Abqallo worked at the British Royal Foundation where he was a scientist with several successful researches on Malaria treatment and would have been a major boost for Kenya’s medical research industry.
Furthermore, the community has politically astute individuals such as Gedhia Mamo, a formidable former Women Representative aspirant for Marsabit County.
Her recent photo with President Ruto sparked hope among the Sakuye people, but the wait for the proverbial ‘white smoke’ continues.
With such a deep talent pool, it is incomprehensible that no Sakuye individual has been appointed in two successive administrations, spanning over a decade.
The Kenya Kwanza government, despite its promises of inclusivity and fair representation, appears to be continuing the same pattern of exclusion.
Make no mistake, I am in no way lobbying for any person I have mentioned. Am just putting out these names just so detractors will not start the chorus of ‘you have no qualified people.’
The Silence of Elected Sakuye Leaders: A Betrayal of Their People
Beyond the government’s failure to be inclusive, the silence of elected Sakuye leaders in addressing this issue is both disappointing and unacceptable.
The Governor and Senator of Isiolo County, both from the Sakuye community, have had numerous opportunities to voice this concern.
They have been seen on multiple occasions with President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua without ever raising this emotive issue.
Less than a week ago, the governor and his entourage also made their way to Karen, Nairobi, the official residence of the current Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki without any mention of this very despicable slight.
Yet, despite their proximity to power, they have failed to advocate for their own people.
If leaders from the Sakuye community do not speak out, who will? Their silence raises serious questions about their commitment to the people who elected them.
Have they chosen political convenience over their constitutional duty to represent the interests of their electorates, including the Sakuye?
On this question, it is not just about the Sakuye elected leaders but also other agents of interest, including Isiolo County Women Representative, who prevailed at the ballot courtesy of the Sakuye bloc votes that she got.
The MP for Isiolo South, who is representing a Sakuye-majority constituency should have also made this call to advocate for the people.
This is fundamental in maintaining the social fabric of our society where every community feels represented.
Political leadership is about advocacy and representation, and their silence on this matter suggests either indifference or a reluctance to challenge the status quo.
Regardless of political affiliations, leaders from our region must come together to demand fair treatment and ensure that all communities, including the Sakuye, are adequately represented in government.
Why This Matters
- National Unity and Cohesion
When certain communities feel excluded from government appointments, it fosters a sense of alienation and fuels ethnic tensions.
For Kenya to progress as a united nation, every community must see itself reflected in national leadership.
The exclusion of the Sakuye community undermines the very foundation of national unity and inclusivity.
- Equal Access to Opportunities
Government positions are not just about prestige—they provide access to resources, decision-making platforms, and opportunities to influence policies that impact communities.
By excluding the Sakuye community, the government is inadvertently denying them a voice in national affairs and limiting their access to opportunities that other communities enjoy.
- Setting a Dangerous Precedent
If such exclusion is allowed to persist, it sets a dangerous precedent where smaller communities can be systematically overlooked in future government formations.
This goes against the spirit of devolution and inclusive governance that Kenya has been striving to achieve since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
A Call to Action
As President Ruto visits the region for his development tour, we, the Sakuye community, extend a warm welcome.
However, this visit must also serve as an opportunity for the government to correct this glaring oversight. We demand:
•Immediate and deliberate action to ensure that members of the Sakuye community are included in national government appointments.
•A public explanation from the government on why our community has been excluded despite appointments in the broader Marsabit and Isiolo region.
•Greater vigilance from our elected leaders to advocate for fair representation and ensure that all communities in the region have a seat at the table.
The Sakuye community, like all other Kenyan communities, has a constitutional right to belong.
This is not about political patronage; it is about justice, fairness, and the principles upon which Kenya was founded.
It is time for the government to listen and take corrective action—because no community should feel like strangers in their own country.
The Sakuye people are not asking for favors—they are demanding what is rightfully theirs under the Constitution.
The government must correct this historical injustice, and our leaders must rise to the occasion to ensure that the community is no longer left behind.
The Sakuye belong to Kenya. Their exclusion from national government must end now.
The scribe is a political editor at Sakuye Media Network and Founder, Chairperson of the Warfura Media Council.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent those of ICBNews or the Waso Media Group Limited|All Rights are Reserved.
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