Ahmed Maalim Hassan has decisively won the Banissa parliamentary seat, keeping it in his family following the death of his brother, the late MP Kullow Maalim Hassan. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate garnered 10,431 votes, a commanding lead over his sole rival, Nurdin Maalim Mohamed of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), who received 1,240 votes.

This by-election was more than a political contest; it was a desperate plea for representation. For nearly two years, the people of Banissa have been without a voice in the National Assembly after the tragic death of the former MP in a road accident in March 2023. The delay, caused by the time it took to fully constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), left the constituency in a state of developmental limbo, stalling crucial projects and access to resources like the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) used for school bursaries.

A Mandate to End Stagnation

For the 32,702 registered voters of Banissa, this election was a chance to restart the engine of progress. Residents had previously held peaceful demonstrations, protesting the long wait and its impact on their lives and livelihoods. Hassan's victory, backed by the ruling UDA party, is seen by his supporters as the most direct path to reconnecting the constituency to the national government's development agenda. During the campaign, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar pledged that the party would prioritize development, security, and support for the pastoralist way of life in Banissa.

Despite the high stakes, voter turnout was reportedly low, with one report noting only 30% participation by noon on election day, partly attributed to an ongoing drought in the region. However, those who did vote expressed a strong desire for leadership. The election day itself was largely peaceful, a significant achievement in a region that has historically seen political tensions. Mandera County Commissioner James Chacha had assured residents of their safety, and commended the candidates for maintaining calm throughout the campaign period.

Path to the Polls

Hassan's journey to the ballot was not without its hurdles. His candidacy faced a significant legal challenge when a voter filed a petition alleging he held dual citizenship, which would make him ineligible to hold public office. The High Court, however, dismissed the case just a week before the election, ruling that the petition was premature and speculative. Justice Lawrence Mugambi noted that the matter had already been handled by the IEBC's dispute resolution committee, clearing the final obstacle for Hassan's decisive win.

• **Winner:** Ahmed Maalim Hassan (UDA) - 10,431 votes
• **Runner-up:** Nurdin Maalim Mohamed (UPA) - 1,240 votes
• **Constituency:** Banissa, Mandera County
• **Registered Voters:** 32,702

As Ahmed Maalim Hassan prepares to take his oath of office, the people of Banissa are watching closely. Their hope is that this election marks the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter of development and effective representation in Nairobi.