By Ahmed Salat Ali political Affairs Aaran Tv Ke
Bille Nunow Shihaw has officially assumed office as the new Senior Chief of Mathow Location, under Griftu Division in Wajir West Sub-County, in a colourful ceremony that brought together Government Administrators, Community elders, Religious leaders, Women, Youth and residents.
The inauguration was marked by pomp and ceremony with traditional performances adding colour to the occasion. The famous Balaqley traditional dance troupe took centre stage, entertaining guests and residents as the community celebrated the appointment of one of its own to a key government administrative position.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for community leaders and residents to pay tribute to Chief Bille, describing him as a hardworking, disciplined, respectful and principled man with a strong understanding of the community.
Speakers at the event who spoke highly of the new chief's character, leadership qualities and record of service.
Muktar Ali described Bille as a dedicated son of the soil whose appointment was a recognition of his commitment to the community.
“Bille is a hardworking and respectful man who understands his community. We are confident that he will serve Mathow with integrity and dedication.”
Mainey Farah praised the new chief's professional background, particularly his previous service as a supervisor at the Wajir Water and Sewerage Company (WAJIWASCO).
“His experience at WAJIWASCO demonstrated that he is a man who understands responsibility and service. We expect him to bring the same commitment and integrity to his new position.”
Former chief Noor Wario who retired urged residents to rally behind the new administration and work closely with the chief to address challenges facing the community.
“Leadership succeeds when the community and government work together. We should give Chief Bille the support he needs to deliver services and strengthen unity among our people.”
Habiba also congratulated Bille, describing his appointment as a source of pride for the Mathow community.
“We are proud to see one of our own entrusted with this responsibility. We expect him to listen to women, youth, elders and every member of the community without discrimination.”
ACC Samuel Kimani urges new chief to uphold government presence
The Guest of Honour, Assistant County Commissioner Samuel Kimani formally presided over the inauguration and congratulated Chief Bille on his appointment.
In his address, Kimani reminded the new administrator that the position of chief carries significant responsibility as a direct representation of the national government at the grassroots.
“This position represents the government at the grassroots. You have been entrusted with an important responsibility, and you must take it seriously by ensuring that the presence of government is felt by every resident.”
Kimani urged the new chief to prioritise service delivery and work closely with the community in implementing government programmes and policies.
He also called for increased efforts to promote national identity registration , enrolment of school going children and voter registration, saying residents should take advantage of government registration exercises.
“We want our people to have the necessary documents and to participate fully in civic processes. Identity registration and voter registration must be given the attention they deserve.”
The administrator further challenged the community to join the government in combating drug and substance abuse, criminal activities and other social ills.
“We must work together to fight drug abuse and criminality. Security is not the responsibility of government officers alone; the community has an important role to play in protecting itself.”
Kimani also emphasised the need for stronger community cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
“Unity and cohesion are the foundation of development. Let us strengthen our bonds as a community and resolve our differences peacefully.”
Environmental protection and fire prevention
The Assistant County Commissioner also raised concerns over environmental degradation and the increasing threat posed by fire outbreaks.
He urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent fires and called for vigilance, particularly during activities that could trigger accidental fires.
He also issued a stern warning to charcoal burners, urging them to stop activities that contribute to environmental degradation and undermine the community's natural resources.
“We must protect our environment. I am warning those involved in destructive charcoal burning to stop. Environmental degradation is a serious threat, and climate change is already affecting our communities.”
Samuel called for collective action to safeguard the environment and promote responsible use of natural resources.
Bille pledges diligent service
In his acceptance speech, Chief Bille Nunow Shihaw expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, the government and the Mathow community for entrusting him with the responsibility.
He thanked residents and guests for turning out in large numbers to witness his inauguration and pledged to discharge his duties in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Kenya.
“I thank Almighty Allah for this opportunity and I sincerely appreciate the government for entrusting me with this noble responsibility. I also thank the people of Mathow for standing with me and for coming here today to witness this important occasion.”
Bille pledged to work closely with the community, government departments and other stakeholders to ensure government policies and services reach residents.
“I will execute my duties diligently and in accordance with the laws of the land. I will work together with the community to ensure that government policies are implemented and that service delivery is felt by every resident.”
The new chief also vowed to confront social and environmental challenges affecting the community, including illegal charcoal burning, domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“I will work with the community to address issues affecting our people, including charcoal burning, domestic violence and SGBV. These are challenges that require collective action, and I will not shy away from my responsibility.”
He called on residents to work with the administration by providing information and supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, security and social order.
A new chapter for Mathow
The inauguration ended on a peaceful and celebratory note, with residents expressing optimism that the arrival of a new senior chief would strengthen the government's presence in Mathow and improve access to essential services.
For many residents, the appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in which long-standing concerns over access to government services, security, registration and development programmes could receive greater attention.
The colourful celebrations culminated in peaceful bringing the official inauguration ceremony to a close.
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