Isiolo elders apologise after President Ruto heckled

According to the elders, the disruption was planned after some Isiolo leaders boycotted a preparatory meeting with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Karen ahead of the visit.

Led by Ameru and Gabra Council of Elders representatives, Geoffrey Kinyua and Omar Godana, the elders urged President Ruto to forgive the county and consider a return visit. Representatives from Turkana, Sakuye, and other minority communities were also present at the press briefing.

“Mheshimiwa Rais, pole sana. Haikukuwa pendekezo la Council of Elders, hiyo ilikuwa kitu imetutoka kwa mikono. Ukapigiwa kelele, hiyo ni mpango ilipangwa na wapinzani ama goons ya siasa. Mheshimiwa Rais, makelele ya chura haizuii ng’ombe kunywa maji,” said Isiolo County Council of Elders Chairperson Omar Godana, implying that political noise should not deter the president’s mission.

Turkana Council of Elders Secretary John Bosco echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the plan to disrupt the president’s visit was conceived well in advance.

“Bwana Rais, ile kelele iliyotokea ilikuwa imepangwa. Kabla ya siku hiyo, tulikuwa Nairobi, Karen, ambapo mpango huu ulianza. Wewe mwenyewe ulishuhudia haya mambo huko Garba Tula. Nataka kuwaambia viongozi waliopanga haya, tunawaona. Tumewachagua, mmeongoza Isiolo kwa miaka kumi na tano. Tafadhali, kuja polepole,” Bosco said, warning certain leaders against divisive politics.

During President Ruto’s visit to Isiolo last week, a section of youths heckled him, an incident that reportedly angered the head of state.

Following the disruption, police launched an operation on Friday and Saturday, arresting 50 youths in Isiolo town. The detainees were later released after pleading guilty to charges of being drunk and disorderly before Isiolo Senior Resident Magistrate Maureen Odhiambo on Monday afternoon.

The courtroom was packed with family members, friends, lawyers, and human rights activists who had come to support the arrested youths.