President Ruto Joins Haji Family Celebration as Son Weds in Masalani

President William Ruto traveled to Masalani, Garissa County, on Friday, November 29, 2025, to attend the wedding ceremony of Mohamed Noordin Haji, son of National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, and Jamila Mohamed Abdiqadir Al-Sawae.

The elaborate celebration, which brought together dignitaries from across Kenya and the Horn of Africa region, served as both a personal milestone for two prominent families and a moment of regional significance for the wider community.

A Union of Distinguished Families

The marriage united the families of two respected figures in the region: the late Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji, a veteran politician and former military officer who served Kenya with distinction, and Abdiqadir Al-Sawae, whose family holds considerable influence in cross-border communities.

The wedding ceremony showcased the rich cultural heritage of Somalia’s coastal traditions, featuring traditional Diisow dances and customary celebrations that drew from the area’s deep-rooted customs. The festivities reflected the blending of families while honoring the legacies of both patriarchs.

Regional Leaders in Attendance

Among the notable guests was Ahmed Madobe, President of Jubaland State in Somalia, whose presence underscored the cross-border ties that characterize communities in northeastern Kenya. His attendance highlighted the interconnected relationships between families and leaders on both sides of the Kenya-Somalia border.

The gathering attracted political figures, business leaders, and community elders from across the region, transforming Masalani into a hub of activity for the day. Local residents and merchants benefited from the influx of visitors, providing a temporary economic boost to the area’s hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

Development Projects Commissioned

President Ruto utilized his visit to the region to commission several development initiatives, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and services in northeastern Kenya.

The highlight of these projects was the newly renovated Yusuf Haji Girls’ Secondary School, which had been upgraded through funding provided by Director General Noordin Haji as a tribute to his late father’s commitment to education and community development.

The elder Haji, who passed away in February 2021, was known for his dedication to advancing educational opportunities in Garissa County. The school’s renovation ensures his legacy of empowering young women through education continues for future generations.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The wedding celebration brought significant short-term economic activity to Masalani and surrounding areas. Local vendors, transporters, and service providers experienced increased business as guests from Nairobi, Mombasa, and neighboring countries converged on the town.

Community leaders noted that such high-profile events help shine a spotlight on the region’s potential, often leading to increased attention from investors and policymakers who might otherwise overlook northeastern Kenya’s development needs.

Strengthening Regional Bonds

The ceremony exemplified the strong familial and cultural connections that span the Kenya-Somalia border. These ties, built over generations of trade, intermarriage, and shared heritage, form an important foundation for regional stability and cooperation.

President Ruto’s attendance signaled the national government’s recognition of these relationships and their importance to Kenya’s foreign policy and security considerations in the Horn of Africa region.

The presence of leaders like President Madobe alongside Kenyan officials demonstrated the potential for collaborative partnerships that transcend national boundaries, particularly in areas of security, trade, and cultural exchange.

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

For the Haji family, the wedding represented a joyous occasion tinged with remembrance of Senator Yusuf Haji, whose absence was deeply felt. However, the celebration of his grandson’s marriage, combined with the commissioning of the school bearing his name, provided a fitting tribute to his enduring influence.

The Al-Sawae family equally celebrated the union, which further cements their standing within the regional community and expands their network of relationships with Kenya’s leadership circles.

As the festivities concluded, guests departed with renewed appreciation for the cultural richness of Garissa County and optimism about the region’s development trajectory. The wedding served as a reminder that personal milestones often carry broader significance, particularly when they bring together communities, honor legacies, and create opportunities for progress.

The event will likely be remembered not only as a family celebration but as a moment when national leadership, regional cooperation, and community development converged in Masalani, offering a glimpse of the potential that exists when such elements align.