Wajir county officials found engaging in political campaigns during official working hours risk losing their jobs, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has said.
Abdullahi said his administration will not tolerate absenteeism or laxity in service delivery as the country heads into the 2027 general election.
The governor, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, said the heightened political activity should not be used as an excuse by public officers to neglect their duties.
The second-term governor said he remains fully focused on delivering on his mandate until the last day of his tenure, despite growing speculation over his own political future.
“I want to warn county staff. Whether I want something or I don’t want something, I will work as the governor of this county until the day the next governor is sworn in,” he said.
He spoke in his office after signing the Wajir County Appropriations Act into law.
“If you think you will be on holiday politicking because it is the political season, then you will have problems with me. Go and do your politics over the weekends when I can’t see you. But if you do politics with my time, I will fire you.”
Abdullahi said residents expect uninterrupted public services regardless of the prevailing political atmosphere.
“I want to warn you. People must be in their offices during office hours. You must be at your desk and you must do your work. The politician you are supporting will not help you. Let him help you when I leave office. But as long as I am here, do your work,” he said.
His remarks come as political activity gathers momentum across the country ahead of next year’s general election, with aspirants increasingly traversing their constituencies in search of support.
In Wajir, several prospective candidates have already hit the campaign trail.
The governor’s warning is an attempt to ensure the county government remains focused on service delivery during the electioneering period.
Abdullahi recently disclosed that he will publicly announce his political plans in January next year.
“I will declare my next political move in January,” he said, without giving much details.
Under Section 43(5) of the Elections Act, public officers intending to contest elective positions are required to resign from at least six months before a general election. For the August 2027 general election, such officers would ordinarily be expected to resign by around February next year.
The requirement applies to employees of the national government, county governments, state corporations and other public agencies.
As the political temperature rises, Abdullahi insists his administration will remain firmly focused on serving the people of Wajir, warning that county employees who choose politics over public service during working hours will face disciplinary action.
