Former Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban Receives Elders’ Endorsement for Isiolo Governor Race Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban Receives Elders’ Endorsement for Isiolo Governor Race Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban has officially entered the race for the Isiolo gubernatorial seat after receiving the backing of elders from the Warsu community, setting the stage for an early contest ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The endorsement, announced during a ceremony held in Isiolo Town on Sunday, June 28, signals Liban’s transition from public service into elective politics and marks one of the earliest declarations in what is expected to become a competitive race for the county’s top leadership position.

Community elders said they had unanimously resolved to support Liban after extensive consultations, describing him as an experienced administrator capable of steering Isiolo County toward improved governance, development and unity.

Addressing residents during the event, the elders expressed confidence in Liban’s leadership credentials, saying the county requires a leader with extensive public service experience and the ability to champion the interests of all communities.

“We realised there is a problem in Isiolo. So we sat down and decided we needed someone with experience and who is learned enough to lead this county. He can bring good governance and leadership,” one of the elders said during the gathering.

The elder added that the community believes Liban possesses the qualities needed to transform the county and improve service delivery.

“We expect Liban to influence change to the communities living in this county. That is why we see Liban as the perfect man for the job,” he stated.

The endorsement comes more than a year before political parties begin formal campaigns for the 2027 General Election, with several political leaders already positioning themselves for various elective seats across the country.

Political analysts have observed that early endorsements by community leaders are increasingly becoming an important strategy for aspirants seeking to consolidate grassroots support long before official campaigns begin.

For Liban, the endorsement represents the beginning of what could become one of the closely watched gubernatorial contests in northern Kenya, where county leadership often attracts significant public interest due to the region’s strategic importance and diverse communities.

Before announcing his political ambitions, Liban served as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Petroleum, a position that placed him at the centre of the government’s energy sector reforms and policy implementation.

However, his exit from government earlier this year followed developments surrounding investigations into the procurement of a fuel consignment reportedly valued at approximately Ksh4.8 billion.

According to an earlier statement issued by the Office of the Head of Public Service, Liban tendered his resignation alongside former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang and former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.

The statement indicated that President William Ruto had received the resignations following decisions made by the relevant institutions.

“The President has received the resignation of Mr Mohamed Liban as Petroleum Principal Secretary, alongside the exit of Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, following decisions by their respective boards,” Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said in the statement.

According to the information provided at the time, the resignations came after the three officials were arrested in connection with investigations involving the fuel procurement matter.

The shipment was reportedly acquired outside Kenya’s Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel import framework, which facilitates petroleum imports through agreements with Gulf countries.

The officials were later released on police bail pending further investigations, although it remains unclear whether prosecutors will ultimately pursue criminal charges in the matter.

Despite those developments, Liban’s supporters maintain that his years in public administration have equipped him with the experience required to lead Isiolo County and address longstanding development challenges.

His endorsement is expected to reshape the county’s political landscape as other aspirants continue to build alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

With nearly a year before official campaign activities intensify, political observers say the race for Isiolo Governor is already gathering momentum, with Liban’s endorsement likely to trigger further political realignments and endorsements across the county in the months ahead.

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Former Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban Receives Elders’ Endorsement for Isiolo Governor Race Ahead of 2027 Elections