In the serene village of Mata Arba, tucked away in Marsabit County, a unique chapter in community empowerment unfolded—not through a government initiative or political campaign, but through the wedding of a local son.
On April 26, 2025, the marriage of Abduba Jirma, son of National Land Commission CEO Kabale Tache, to his bride Guyatu Hassan, became a pivotal moment in the village’s history. What began as a personal celebration evolved into a high-level event that brought senior government figures to the region for the first time in four decades.
Leading the delegation was Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, accompanied by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, MPs, CEOs, Director Generals, judges, and Principal Secretaries—including Kello Harsama of the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
Amid the cultural grandeur, the wedding became a strategic platform to draw national attention to Mata Arba’s long-standing marginalization. Kabale Tache, leveraging the presence of senior officials, steered the event toward tangible community development goals.
Residents saw immediate benefits. Over 200 villagers received national identification cards during an on-site registration drive. Food aid was distributed to vulnerable families, addressing pressing needs.
Key development pledges followed: plans to pave major roads in the region, drill a borehole for clean water access, upgrade the Gadamoji Cultural Centre into a museum-standard facility, elevate Dakabaricha Dispensary to a Level 3 hospital, and promote Mata Arba Sub-location to full location status to strengthen local governance.
Attendees noted the significance of these commitments, describing them as the result of Kabale’s effective use of a family milestone for broader public good.
Known by many as ‘Haad-Iyessa’ (Mother of the Poor), Kabale Tache holds the distinction of being the first Borana woman to lead the National Land Commission. Her reputation as a dedicated advocate for the underserved was echoed in remarks from villagers, who highlighted her efforts in supporting education for vulnerable children, facilitating employment, and consistently contributing to community events such as weddings and funerals.
Despite growing admiration and speculation about a possible political future, Kabale was clear in her intentions: “I am not seeking any political seat for now; I do not need to be a politician to empower my people,” she said. Her approach, centered on service rather than political ambition, drew comparisons to global icons of humanitarian service.
For the people of Mata Arba, the wedding was more than just a celebration. As elder Boru Wakala put it,
“We never imagined the government would remember us. Kabale has brought hope to our children’s future.”
Excitement now fills the village as residents prepare for infrastructure developments and cultural revitalization. Locals say her actions have redefined what grassroots leadership can look like—transforming personal events into moments of collective uplift.
A local mother expressed the sentiment of many:
“Haad-Iyessa’s work is a blessing. Now, our children will grow up in a different Mata Arba.”
As the celebrations fade, Mata Arba stands as a powerful example of what can happen when leadership is grounded in empathy and strategic vision. Kabale Tache’s initiative has not only brought national attention to the village but laid the groundwork for a future shaped by opportunity and inclusion.
