The Motti Women Group of Isiolo has accused former Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa of undermining their highly anticipated annual Borana Night cultural celebration, held on December 31.
The event, which serves as a unifying occasion to celebrate Borana heritage, was reportedly disrupted following a series of contentious decisions linked to Hon. Jaldesa.
The Invitation and Conditions
According to the group’s leaders, Jaldesa was invited as a guest of honor.
However, she allegedly accepted the invitation on the condition that Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan and his team be excluded from the event.
Jaldesa cited her strained relationship with the governor as the reason for her request.
To honor her terms, the group reluctantly altered their guest list, excluding the governor and his associates.
In return, Jaldesa assured the group of her attendance, accompanied by 11 other prominent leaders.
With these commitments, the group finalized preparations for what was expected to be a memorable celebration.
A Last-Minute Blow
Shockingly, just a day before the event, Jaldesa informed the group she would not attend.
This unexpected announcement left the organizers in a difficult position, as they had already uninvited the governor and his team to accommodate Jaldesa’s demands.
Neither Jaldesa nor the excluded officials attended, leaving the event without key dignitaries.
The group’s leadership expressed outrage, accusing Jaldesa of deliberate sabotage.
One official lamented, “Why would you do this to us? What did we do to deserve this?” Another questioned, “Was this a calculated act of revenge, or is there more to come?”
Silence from Jaldesa
When approached for comment by a local radio station, Jaldesa declined to address the accusations, offering only a terse “No comment.”
Cultural Traditions Under Threat
The fallout from this incident has cast a shadow over an event that is meant to celebrate unity, culture, and tradition.
Despite the setback, the Motti Women Group has vowed to persevere.
“Our culture and traditions are bigger than any individual. We will not be deterred,” said one of the group’s leader.
The group has called on other leaders and community members to support their efforts in preserving Borana heritage.
This incident highlights the challenges grassroots organizations face when navigating political dynamics, and it raises questions about the responsibilities of leaders to promote unity rather than division.
As the dust settles, the community is left wondering whether this was an isolated incident or the beginning of further discord.
Watch the video below for more context:
