The race for the 2027 Lamu gubernatorial seat has effectively kicked off with a definitive endorsement from the incumbent. Governor Issa Timamy has publicly anointed his deputy, Mbarak Bahjaj (popularly known as Salim), as his preferred successor, signaling a calculated move to consolidate his political legacy and ensure continuity in the coastal county.

This endorsement settles months of speculation regarding the Governor’s transition plan. Speaking at a public baraza in Mokowe, Timamy described Bahjaj as a "tested and trusted pair of hands" capable of steering Lamu to greater heights. The announcement comes just months after Bahjaj’s ascension to the deputy governorship, a position he assumed following the tragic death of the former Deputy Governor, Raphael Munyua Ndung’u, in late 2024. By throwing his weight behind Bahjaj this early, Timamy is looking to quell internal rifts within his Amani National Congress (ANC) party branch and present a united front against formidable opponents.

The "Safe Hands" Narrative

"I am confident that Lamu will be in safe hands with my deputy," Timamy declared to a cheering crowd. "He understands the vision, he understands the projects, and he understands the people." This narrative of "continuity" is crucial in Lamu, a county grappling with complex land rights issues, the LAPSSET corridor development, and security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab along the Boni forest belt. Bahjaj, a technocrat with a background in health and public management, is being packaged as the stability candidate who will protect the gains made during Timamy’s tenure.

However, the road to 2027 will not be a walk in the park. Lamu politics is historically volatile, often defined by a delicate balancing act between the indigenous Bajuni/Swahili communities and the settler Kikuyu population in Mpeketoni. Bahjaj will need to bridge this ethnic divide, a feat Timamy managed through his initial partnership with the late Munyua. The endorsement also sets the stage for a potential clash with other ambitious local leaders who have been eyeing the seat, including former aspirants who may feel sidelined by what critics might term a "monarchical" handover.

• The Succession Strategy: Timamy’s move mirrors a growing trend among second-term governors seeking to influence their succession to protect their legacy and avoid post-retirement witch-hunts.
• Bahjaj’s Profile: A former County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Bahjaj is seen as a meticulous administrator but will need to prove his political mettle on the campaign trail.

Shifting Coastal Alliances

The endorsement also has ripples for national politics. Timamy, a key ally of President Ruto in the Coast region, is positioning his camp to remain relevant in the Kenya Kwanza matrix. By securing a successor, he strengthens his bargaining power at the national table. For the people of Lamu, the question is whether Bahjaj can step out of his boss’s shadow and articulate a compelling vision of his own, or if he will be tagged as a mere puppet of the outgoing administration.