MANDERA— Former Mandera Senator Eng. Mohamed Mohamud, popularly known as Mumad, has accused Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif of squandering public funds on desperate cash handouts to buy voter loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mumad, a prominent critic of the county’s leadership, issued the statement on social media late Friday, alleging that Khalif’s administration has been luring residents—especially Mumad’s own supporters—to hotels in Mandera and Nairobi for cash distributions. “This panic-driven strategy exposes failed leadership,” Mumad wrote.
He lambasted the governor for prioritizing “political optics” over tangible progress, claiming funds earmarked for water projects, healthcare, schools, and livelihoods are being diverted.
“Instead of showcasing development or presenting a credible agenda, he hides poor performance behind short-term handouts,” Mumad continued. “Public funds meant for water, healthcare, schools, and livelihoods are being misused for political optics—an insult to the people of Mandera.” He urged residents to accept the money “without guilt (ITDHULA NYADA)” but warned against letting it sway their votes, emphasizing that “true leadership is measured by impact, not envelopes.”
The outburst comes against a backdrop of escalating scrutiny on Khalif’s tenure. Earlier this year, senators grilled the governor over bribery allegations during a Senate probe.In September, Mumad highlighted misuse of development funds, pointing to inadequate healthcare and infrastructure in the arid northern county.
Recent reports also surfaced accusing Khalif of funding media campaigns to polish his image, further fueling perceptions of governance lapses.
Mandera, bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, grapples with chronic challenges like drought, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Critics argue Khalif’s UDA-backed administration has delivered piecemeal gains, such as road upgrades and education investments, but falls short on accountability.
Khalif, a former assembly speaker and mayor, has touted strategic planning in recent videos, denying funding shortfalls for legislators.
As of Saturday, the governor’s office had not responded to requests for comment on Mumad’s allegations. Political analysts see this as a harbinger of a bruising 2027 gubernatorial race, with Mumad positioning himself as a reformist alternative. “Mandera deserves dignity, accountability, and real progress—not the politics of panic and handouts,” Mumad concluded, rallying for a development-focused future.
