Isiolo, Kenya|President William Ruto’s visit to Isiolo County took an unexpected turn on Friday as persistent heckling from residents forced an early end to his appearance at the groundbreaking ceremony for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park project.
The event, intended to mark a significant step in regional development, instead highlighted growing tensions between the government and local communities.
The unrest began shortly after Isiolo Member of Parliament Bonaya Mumina Gollo addressed the crowd. Attendees erupted into chants of “Ruto must go,” a slogan that has become synonymous with anti-government sentiment in various parts of the country.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo to intervene. He appealed for calm, urging the crowd to show respect for the president.
“Today is the President’s day; let’s give him respect. Let’s listen to all leaders. Those who are used to organizing heckling, you will not return to heckling in Isiolo. Do we understand each other?” Governor Guyo stated.
However, the governor’s plea did little to quell the growing discontent. When Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo attempted to speak, she was met with loud heckling, rendering her unable to address the gathering.
“Let us not throw stones,” Senator Dullo pleaded, underscoring the volatile atmosphere.
In response to the hostile reception, President Ruto attributed the protests to drug traffickers retaliating against his administration’s efforts to combat narcotics in the region.
“We’ve been having problems in Isiolo and Marsabit with people from other countries bringing drugs here and selling them to our children. Let me be clear – we will deport these drug dealers,” the president declared.
He further warned, “I hear these drug dealers have brought youth to heckle us here. Listen carefully, young people – you cannot intimidate the Kenyan government.”
Despite the disruptions, President Ruto remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing development projects in Isiolo. “Take your threats elsewhere. I will build Isiolo,” he asserted.
However, his attempts to introduce his political allies were met with increased dissatisfaction, as residents waved their hands and continued chanting anti-government slogans.
The president’s speech was ultimately cut short, with Ruto remarking, “You have fierce competition here,” before departing the event.
The abrupt conclusion of his visit underscored the deep-seated tensions between the government and local communities, particularly in regions like Isiolo where public dissatisfaction with national policies has been mounting.
This incident is not isolated. The “Ruto must go” chants have echoed across several parts of Kenya in recent months, reflecting widespread discontent with the current administration.
Social media platforms and local protests have become outlets for expressing grievances, with many citizens criticizing the government’s handling of economic challenges, security issues, and alleged failures in governance.
The events in Isiolo serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing President Ruto’s administration as it seeks to implement its agenda amid growing public unrest.
While the government remains committed to development projects, the persistent protests and heckling highlight the need for dialogue and engagement to address the underlying concerns of communities across the nation.
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