Former Ruto PS Mohamed Liban Endorsed for Isiolo Governor Race Months After Stepping Down

Former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban has officially entered the race for the Isiolo governor seat after receiving the backing of elders from the Warsu community ahead of the 2027 General Election.

During a ceremony held in Isiolo town on Sunday, June 28, community elders publicly endorsed Liban as their preferred candidate for the county’s top leadership position.

The endorsement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a highly competitive gubernatorial contest as political leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the next election.

The elders said they carefully considered the challenges facing Isiolo County before settling on Liban as the most suitable person to represent their interests.

According to them, his experience in public service, educational background, and leadership skills make him well-equipped to transform the county and improve the lives of its residents.

One of the elders explained that the community wanted a leader with proven experience and the ability to provide effective governance.

He noted that after extensive consultations, they agreed Liban possessed the qualities needed to steer Isiolo toward development and prosperity.

The elder further stated that the community believes Liban has the capacity to unite the people of Isiolo, promote accountability, and introduce policies that will improve service delivery across the county.

He added that the endorsement reflects the confidence the Warsu community has in Liban’s leadership and their hope that he will bring meaningful and lasting change if elected governor in 2027.

Liban’s endorsement comes nearly two years before Kenyans head to the polls, with several politicians already beginning campaigns and building alliances in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

Political activities in Isiolo are also expected to intensify as more candidates declare their interest in succeeding the current county leadership.

Although Liban is now seeking elective office, his political journey follows a controversial exit from the national government earlier this year.

He previously served as the Petroleum Principal Secretary in President William Ruto’s administration before resigning amid a major fuel procurement controversy that attracted national attention.

The controversy involved the importation of a fuel shipment worth more than Ksh4.8 billion. According to investigators, the fuel was allegedly brought into the country outside Kenya’s Government-to-Government (G-to-G) oil import arrangement with Gulf countries, a system designed to regulate fuel imports and ensure transparency in the petroleum sector.

Authorities claimed that the fuel shipment did not comply with the required procurement procedures. The scandal raised concerns over the importation and distribution of unauthorised petroleum products, prompting investigations by government agencies.

Following the controversy, Liban resigned from his position alongside former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria and former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.

The three officials stepped down after investigations linked them to the matter involving the disputed fuel consignment.

The resignations were confirmed by Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei in a statement issued on Saturday, April 4.

Koskei announced that President William Ruto had accepted Liban’s resignation, while the departures of Joe Sang and Daniel Kiptoo followed decisions made by the boards of their respective institutions.

The announcement came shortly after the three former officials were arrested in connection with the fuel procurement investigations.

Their resignations were widely viewed as part of efforts to allow investigations into the matter to proceed without interference.

However, the case took another turn just two days later when Liban, Kiptoo, and Sang were released on police bail on Monday, April 6, pending the completion of investigations.

Although the trio was expected to be arraigned in court after the investigations, it remains unclear whether prosecutors will eventually file criminal charges against them.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from government, Liban has now shifted his focus to county politics.

With the endorsement from the Warsu community already secured, he is expected to begin engaging residents across Isiolo as he seeks broader support ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.

His entry into the race is likely to reshape the political landscape in the county as more candidates prepare to battle for the governor’s seat.

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