Mandera leaders receive public apology as former DCP official defects to UDA

A former official of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on Tuesday issued a public apology to senior Mandera and northern Kenya leaders over remarks he said were based on mistaken identity, and announced his defection to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, Mohamed Haji Bullow, also known as Kahiye, said he had wrongly identified BBS Mall proprietor Abdiwali Hassan Mohamed as a non‑Kenyan in earlier public statements.

Bullow said the remarks were the result of confusion arising from similarities in names and were not intended as a personal attack.

“It was a mistaken identity. I apologise publicly for denouncing him and for questioning his right as a Kenyan,” he said.

He also apologised to Mandera County Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale, MP Adan Keynan for Eldas Constituency, and MP Farah Maalim for Dadaab Constituency, acknowledging their stature within the Somali community and national politics.

“They are leaders who command respect in our community. Disrespecting them is not in line with Somali culture. I ask them to forgive me,” Bullow said.

Bullow also announced that he had resigned from DCP and formally joined UDA, accusing his former party of promoting political intolerance and personal attacks rather than policy‑based engagement.

“DCP has no agenda for Kenyans. It has become a party of insults and abusive language against other leaders,” he said.

Bullow said his decision followed consultations with elders and community leaders from northern Kenya, noting that his continued association with the party had caused personal and family strain.

“For the sake of national unity and the stability of the country, I chose to leave. I do not want to be part of inciting Kenyans against their own state,” he said.

He appealed to leaders and supporters from northern Kenya still affiliated with DCP to reconsider their political alignment and join UDA, arguing that the ruling party offered a more inclusive national platform.

Bullow said he had formally handed over his DCP membership card to community elders, marking a definitive break from the party.

Additionally, Bullow defended investment by members of the Somali community outside northern Kenya, saying economic integration was essential to national cohesion.

“Nairobi belongs to all Kenyans. Investing across regions is not a crime and helps strengthen national unity,” he said.