DNK International By Our Correspondent, Garissa.
Garissa Senator Abdul Haji has steadily emerged as one of the most influential political figures in Northern Kenya.
His growing gubernatorial ambitions is reshaping the political landscape of Garissa County ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Haji was born into one of Kenya’s most prominent political and administrative families and is the son of the late veteran administrator and former Cabinet Minister Yusuf Haji, who served the country for decades as a Provincial Commissioner before transitioning into elective politics.
Yusuf Haji was widely respected for his role in stabilizing Northern Kenya during difficult periods of insecurity and clan conflicts, becoming one of the region’s most influential statesmen until his death in 2021 while serving as Garissa Senator.
Abdul Haji is also the younger brother of Noordin Haji, the current Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and former Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Haji family remains one of the most powerful and politically connected families in Northern Kenya.
The senator who is in his 50’s and is known for maintaining a relatively low public profile despite his strong influence within Kenya’s security and political establishment.
Before joining politics he built a distinguished career in intelligence and national security, having trained professionally in security and intelligence studies before serving for years within the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
For those who know him well told DNK-International that for many years, he operated behind the scenes in the country’s intelligence structures, earning respect among security agencies for his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and operational discipline.
However, it was during the 2013 Westgate terror attack in Nairobi that his name first entered the national spotlight.
During the deadly siege orchestrated by Al-Shabaab militants at the upscale Westgate Shopping Mall,he was among the NIS operatives who coordinated and participated in rescue operations that saved numerous lives.
His bravery, composure, and direct involvement during the crisis earned him widespread admiration across the country.
Many Kenyans remember his emotional and memorable remarks after the operation, where he emphasized that national unity and patriotism were stronger than terrorism.
His conduct during the attack elevated him from a little known intelligence officer into a nationally recognized figure associated with courage, discipline, and service to the country.
Following the death of his father,the younger Haji was thrust into active politics as pressure mounted from elders, professionals, religious leaders, and political to preserve the family’s political legacy.
He successfully contested the Garissa Senate seat in the 2021 by-election, inheriting not only his father’s political base but also the immense expectations that came with the Haji name.
He later retained the seat in the 2022 General Election, cementing his place as one of the dominant political voices in the North Eastern region.
Since entering Parliament, Abdul Haji has positioned himself as a moderate, development oriented, and consensus driven leader.
He has frequently advocated for improved security, expansion of road infrastructure, equitable resource distribution, youth empowerment, and stronger integration of marginalized regions into the national economy.
Political observers describe him as a bridge builder capable of navigating both clan politics and national power dynamics, a rare trait that has made him increasingly influential not only in Garissa but across Northern Kenya.
His influence has particularly grown among professionals, youth groups, religious leaders, and elders who see him as a unifying figure capable of stabilizing local politics while attracting national government support and development projects to the region.
In recent months, calls for Abdul Haji to contest the Garissa gubernatorial seat have intensified, with powerful clan elders, sections of the business community, youth leaders, and influential political actors reportedly rallying behind his candidature to replace Nathif Adam.
Supporters argue that his experience in national security, governance, and national level networking places him in a unique position to transform Garissa County.
Backers of his gubernatorial bid often cite his calm leadership style and ability to command respect both locally and nationally as key strengths needed to address recurring challenges affecting Garissa, including insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment.
During several public forums,the Senator has repeatedly stressed the need for peaceful politics and inclusive governance, warning leaders against divisive clan based competition.
One of his widely quoted remarks has been that “leadership must unite people and not divide them,” a statement that has resonated strongly across communities in Northern Kenya.
His growing political influence was once again demonstrated recently after the Rer Ali clan of the larger Auliyahan community officially declared support for his gubernatorial ambitions during a high level political meeting attended by elders, ulama, youth leaders, professionals, and opinion shapers.
The leaders described Abdul Haji as a symbol of stability, development, and inclusive leadership, pledging to rally behind his vision for Garissa County ahead of the upcoming political season.
As the 2027 succession politics gradually take shape in Northern Kenya, Abdul Haji is increasingly being viewed as one of the key figures likely to redefine Garissa’s political direction for years to come.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@May 27,2026]
