Marsabit, Kenya| In a vibrant and culturally resonant ceremony held in Butiye, Moyale, Principal Secretary Philip Kello Harsama was officially endorsed as the Warsu community’s sole candidate for the Marsabit gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
This historic event, steeped in the traditions of the revered Gada system, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of northern Kenya, signaling the start of a fiercely competitive race for Marsabit’s top seat.
A Grand Coronation in Butiye
The endorsement ceremony, attended by hundreds of supporters, community elders, youth, women’s groups, and political allies, was a spectacle of unity and cultural pride.
The Warsu community, a coalition of the Arusi, Hawatu, and Qarchabtu sub-clans within the larger Borana community, gathered under the leadership of the Hawatu clan to crown Harsama as their flagbearer.
The event was not only a political milestone but also a celebration of Borana heritage, with Abba Gadaa leaders from neighboring Ethiopia in attendance, underscoring the deep cross-border ties that bind the Borana people.
The ceremony, held under the auspices of the Gada system—a traditional Borana governance structure—was both symbolic and strategic.
Elders performed ceremonial rituals, affirming their trust in Harsama’s leadership and officially endorsing him ahead of the Borana Community Elders (BCE) primaries.
The colorful gathering, filled with traditional songs, dances, and speeches, marked a pivotal moment in Marsabit’s political journey, setting the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial contest.
Who is Philip Kello Harsama?
Philip Kello Harsama is no stranger to public service. Born into humble beginnings, Harsama’s rise through the ranks of Kenya’s administrative machinery is a testament to his dedication, grit, and competence.
A career civil servant, he served as a respected County Commissioner in various regions across Kenya, earning a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail, no-nonsense leadership style, and unwavering commitment to public service.
His work ethic and ability to deliver results have earned him respect across the political spectrum. In 2022, Harsama took a bold leap into politics, contesting the Marsabit gubernatorial seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner.
Despite being a political newcomer, he delivered an impressive performance, finishing strongly in a fiercely contested race and establishing himself as a formidable contender in Marsabit’s political arena.
His strong showing caught the attention of President William Ruto, who appointed him as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development—a critical docket tasked with addressing some of Kenya’s most pressing challenges.
As Principal Secretary, Harsama has been a transformative force, spearheading drought mitigation strategies, food security programs, and sustainable development initiatives in Kenya’s marginalized regions.
His tenure has been marked by innovative policies and a hands-on approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by ASAL communities, earning him widespread acclaim.
A Movement Takes Shape
The endorsement of Harsama by the Warsu community is more than a political maneuver—it is a cultural and communal affirmation of his leadership.
Speakers at the ceremony hailed him as a beacon of integrity and a unifying figure capable of bridging Marsabit’s fractured political landscape.
“He is not just our candidate; he is our hope,” declared Mr. A. Jirmo, a youth elder from the Warsu community. “Marsabit needs a governor who understands administration, who has walked in the corridors of power but remains rooted in the dust of this land. That man is Harsama.”
The Warsu community’s endorsement carries significant weight in Marsabit’s political calculus. As a key sub-clan within the Borana community, their unified support gives Harsama a strong base from which to launch his campaign.
Political analysts suggest that this endorsement could reshape the 2027 gubernatorial race, positioning Harsama as a frontrunner in a contest that is already heating up.
The 2027 Marsabit Gubernatorial Race: A Crowded Field
While Harsama’s coronation has electrified his supporters, the road to the Marsabit governorship is far from straightforward.
The 2027 race is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with several prominent figures vying for the seat. Among his competitors are:
- Dido Raso, the long-serving Member of Parliament for Saku, known for his deep political experience and strong grassroots support.
- Chachu Ganya, a former North Horr MP with a track record of advocating for pastoralist communities.
- Ukur Yatani, the former Treasury Cabinet Secretary and a political heavyweight with significant influence in Marsabit.
Each candidate brings a unique set of strengths to the table, but Harsama’s combination of administrative expertise, national prominence, and grassroots support makes him a formidable contender.
His ability to leverage his experience as Principal Secretary, coupled with the unified backing of the Warsu community, positions him as a serious threat to his rivals.
A Game-Changer for Marsabit
Harsama’s entry into the gubernatorial race is expected to shake up Marsabit’s political landscape.
The county, known for its diverse ethnic composition and complex political dynamics, has long grappled with challenges such as resource allocation, ethnic tensions, and underdevelopment.
Harsama’s track record in public service, particularly his work in ASAL regions, makes him uniquely qualified to address these issues.
His tenure as Principal Secretary has given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing Marsabit, from drought and food insecurity to infrastructure deficits and regional disparities.
His supporters argue that his experience at the national level, combined with his deep roots in the Borana community, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Marsabit into a new era of development and unity.
What Lies Ahead
With the 2027 General Election still two years away, Harsama’s campaign is only just beginning. The next steps will likely involve consolidating support within the Borana community, building alliances with other ethnic groups in Marsabit, and navigating the BCE primaries.
His ability to maintain momentum and translate his community’s endorsement into broader support will be critical to his success.
Political insiders suggest that Harsama’s national profile and reputation for competence could give him an edge in a county hungry for transformative leadership.
“This endorsement has all but sealed the 2027 Marsabit gubernatorial race,” one analyst remarked. “With the full weight of the Borana community behind him, and a national reputation for delivery, Harsama is no longer just a candidate—he is a movement.”
A New Chapter for Marsabit
As Marsabit braces for a highly competitive gubernatorial race, one thing is clear: Philip Kello Harsama is no longer just a civil servant or a Principal Secretary.
He is a symbol of hope, a leader rooted in tradition yet driven by a vision for progress. His coronation as the Borana flagbearer marks the beginning of a new chapter in Marsabit’s political story—one that could see him rise to the helm of the county in 2027.
For now, the people of Marsabit wait with bated breath as the race takes shape. Will Harsama’s movement carry him to victory, or will the county’s complex political dynamics present unforeseen challenges?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2027 Marsabit gubernatorial race has just gotten a lot more exciting.
For more updates on the Marsabit gubernatorial race and other political developments in Kenya, stay tuned to our platform.
Share This Post