In a dramatic turn at the ongoing Karayu Convention in Meru, former Isiolo Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, widely known as MRQ, has walked out of the gathering.
Sources close to the event confirm that MRQ stormed out after it became evident that former Isiolo South MP Abdulbahari Ali was the overwhelming favourite to secure the community’s endorsement for the governor seat.
From the very start, the seasoned lawmaker Abdulbahari focused on winning over the elders responsible for the endorsement process.
This strategic move gave him a commanding lead throughout the convention.
In contrast, MRQ’s troubles began when his proposal to host the meeting in Merti was rejected. Elders instead chose Meru County as the venue.
Insiders suggest that the elders had prior intelligence that MRQ planned to mobilise large numbers of youths to storm the Merti venue and force his endorsement.
At the Meru meeting, attempts by MRQ’s camp to sneak in youths were allegedly blocked.
The convention was strictly an invite only affair, reserved for selected elders. After two days of intense deliberations, insiders now say Abdulbahari remains the clear favourite.
Reports indicate that MRQ has since left the meeting and is considering running as an independent candidate.
The Karayu Convention is expected to conclude tomorrow, with all signs pointing to Abdulbahari’s official endorsement as the community’s flagbearer for governor.
If he secures this highly coveted backing, the next step will be presentation to the larger Borana Council of Elders.
That body will then oversee another nomination among Borana clans to select a sole Borana candidate.
That unified candidate will later face the incumbent Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo.
Governor Guyo’s popularity has been rising sharply among the Borana, Sakuye, and other communities in Isiolo County.
County wide polls still show him as the clear front runner to retain his seat in the 2027 elections.
However, he is expected to face tough competition from Abdulbahari Ali, should Bahari emerge as the endorsed candidate.
This latest development could sound a death knell for MRQ’s political career, which has yet to gain meaningful traction despite spirited campaigns.
MRQ was removed as speaker last June following his failed bid to unseat Governor Guyo.
That attempt involved a haphazardly planned petition that was defeated before it could be formally introduced to the Senate.
Several senators voted to disallow the motion, citing procedural flaws and the existence of a court order barring further deliberation on the matter.
As the Karayu Convention enters its final day, all eyes remain on Meru. The expected endorsement of Abdulbahari Ali would certainly reshape the gubernatorial race.
The endorsement will also deepen the political isolation of MRQ, whose walkout may prove to be a turning point in Isiolo’s evolving political landscape.
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