Isiolo, Kenya| A wave of youthful frustration and dashed hopes swept through Isiolo town on Tuesday as hundreds of local athletes and residents poured into the streets to demand the completion of the long-stalled Isiolo Stadium.
The protest, which paralyzed transport and culminated in clashes with riot police, underscored growing public outrage over what many see as chronic neglect and unfulfilled promises by the county administration under Governor Abdi Guyo.
The demonstrators, led largely by young footballers and athletes from local clubs, accused the Isiolo County Government of ignoring their needs and undermining the region’s immense sports potential.
With placards held high and chants echoing through the streets, the youth decried what they termed as years of “blatant mismanagement” and “empty rhetoric,” asserting that without modern training facilities, the region’s talented sportsmen and women are being denied a future.
A Town Brought to a Halt
The protest brought daily life in Isiolo town to a grinding halt. Key roads, including the busy Isiolo-Moyale highway, were barricaded by demonstrators, disrupting transport and trade.
Police responded with tear gas in an attempt to disperse the agitated crowd, leading to tense standoffs that further escalated the situation.
It marked the second time in recent weeks that youth have taken to the streets over the same issue, signaling growing impatience and the brewing of a wider crisis if no action is taken.
Voices of Frustration
“We are tired of lies. We were promised a stadium, but all we see are unfinished walls and silence,” said Ali Noor, a local footballer participating in the protest.
“This stadium is not just for us—it’s for the future of Isiolo’s youth. Sports can change lives, but only if we’re given the right tools.”
Another protester, Halima Wario, a sprinter from the county’s athletics club, said the lack of proper facilities was forcing many young athletes to abandon their dreams.
“We see our peers from other counties excelling nationally and internationally. Why can’t Isiolo have the same opportunities?” she asked.
The youth also appealed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to intervene and pressure the county and national governments into prioritizing the stalled project. They called on FKF to amplify their plight and help draw national attention to the matter.
County Silence Fuels Tensions
Despite the growing protests, the county leadership has remained largely silent. The youth say the administration’s failure to respond to their concerns—despite having held a similar protest just a week prior—speaks volumes about the level of disconnection between the county government and its constituents.
“The governor must stop ignoring us,” said Yusuf Leto, a community organizer. “This is not just about sports; it’s about jobs, it’s about youth empowerment, and it’s about dignity.”
A Growing Rift in Governor Guyo’s Support Base
Interestingly, some residents who previously benefited from Governor Guyo’s development initiatives also joined the protests, calling on him to act swiftly and restore public confidence.
“Guyo has done some good things, but abandoning our youth is a serious mistake,” said Amina Dida, a mother of two aspiring footballers. “This is the time to show leadership—not arrogance.”
What’s Next?
As police regained control of the streets late Tuesday, the tension had not dissipated. What remains is a simmering resentment and a renewed call for accountability.
The Isiolo Stadium, a project meant to symbolize hope and opportunity, has instead become a powerful symbol of government inaction and public betrayal.
Unless the county leadership urgently addresses the issue, observers warn that youth-led unrest could intensify, deepening divisions and undermining future development efforts.
For now, the youth of Isiolo have made one thing abundantly clear: they will no longer remain silent in the face of neglect.
Their message, delivered through defiance and desperation, resonates far beyond the stadium walls—they are demanding a future they can believe in.
Share This Post