Isiolo, Kenya| The brutal shooting of Mzee Idle Hassan, Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders, near Jamia Mosque in Isiolo’s Central Business District (CBD) has plunged the county into a state of fear and outrage.
The revered elder, a staunch supporter of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, was gunned down at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
As he fights for his life in critical condition, local leaders have condemned the attack as a politically motivated act, pointing to a dangerous escalation of violence and lawlessness in the region.
A Cowardly Attack Amid Political Turmoil
The assassination attempt on Mzee Idle Hassan comes on the heels of a contentious and ultimately failed impeachment process against Governor Guyo, fueling speculation that the attack was a targeted act of retribution.
In a scathing statement, Governor Guyo described the shooting as a “brazen and cowardly act” directly linked to Hassan’s vocal opposition to the impeachment motion. “This is not just an attack on an individual but an assault on the peace and stability we have worked tirelessly to maintain in Isiolo for over two decades,” he said.
Governor Guyo raised alarming concerns about the alleged presence of hired militia, including suspected operatives of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), operating within Isiolo.
He accused shadowy forces of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize the county, urging security agencies to act swiftly to investigate the crime, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore public confidence.
“The people of Isiolo deserve to feel safe in their homes and streets. We cannot allow these acts of violence to tear apart our community,” he added, while extending prayers for Hassan’s swift recovery.
MP Mumina Bonaya Slams Rising Lawlessness
Isiolo County MP Mumina Bonaya echoed the governor’s sentiments, labeling the shooting a “disgusting act of cowardice” that reflects a broader pattern of growing insecurity in the county.
In a strongly worded statement, Bonaya linked the attack to the toxic political climate following the failed impeachment, accusing certain leaders of fueling violence through reckless rhetoric and “beating the drums of war.” She also pointed to the unchecked proliferation of illegal firearms as a key driver of the escalating violence.
“This is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of the lawlessness that has taken root in Isiolo, exacerbated by the silence of our security agencies,” Bonaya said. “Who shot Mzee Idle Hassan, and why? The people of Isiolo demand answers, and we demand them now.”
She called for immediate action to restore order in the CBD, warning that failure to act could lead to further bloodshed and destruction of property. Bonaya also expressed her prayers for Hassan’s recovery, urging residents to remain vigilant but calm.
A Community in Fear
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Isiolo, a county long celebrated for its fragile but hard-earned peace among diverse communities.
Mzee Idle Hassan, a respected elder and unifying figure, has been a vocal advocate for stability and progress in the region. His near-fatal attack has heightened fears of a return to the ethnic and political violence that plagued Isiolo in the past.
Former Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing deep sympathies for Hassan and his family.
“Idle is a father, a respected elder, and a friend. This is not the Isiolo we want,” Roba said. He called for thorough and expedited investigations by the police, while raising questions about the governor’s claims of foreign militia involvement.
Roba referenced the recent death of PFA Ismail Abdikadir, which Governor Guyo had, based on a story that appeared on Nagaa Radio, attributed to an accident rather than an assassination as some, including Roba, had speculated, suggesting that the governor may hold critical information relevant to the current investigation.
A Call for Accountability and Action
The attack on Mzee Idle Hassan has sparked urgent calls for accountability and decisive action from security agencies. Both Governor Guyo and MP Bonaya emphasized the need to dismantle armed networks and address the root causes of the growing insecurity.
The unchecked spread of illegal firearms, coupled with inflammatory political rhetoric, has created a volatile environment that threatens to unravel Isiolo’s social fabric.
Bonaya’s pointed question—“Who shot Mzee Hassan Idle, and why?”—resonates with residents who are grappling with fear and uncertainty.
Community leaders have urged the government, including President William Samoei Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and Transport Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, to prioritize the restoration of security in Isiolo.
A Broader Context of Violence
The shooting of Mzee Idle Hassan is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have raised concerns about Isiolo’s stability.
The failed impeachment of Governor Guyo, which exposed deep political divisions, has been followed by a surge in tensions and allegations of incitement.
The presence of illegal firearms in the hands of rogue elements has further complicated efforts to maintain law and order.
Security analysts warn that without swift intervention, Isiolo risks sliding into a cycle of retaliatory violence that could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
The alleged involvement of external groups, such as the OLF, adds a layer of complexity to the crisis, raising questions about cross-border security and the effectiveness of local law enforcement.
A Plea for Peace and Unity
As Mzee Idle Hassan battles for his life, the people of Isiolo are left grappling with fear, anger, and uncertainty. Community leaders have called on residents to remain united and resist attempts to sow division.
“We have worked too hard to build peace in Isiolo. We cannot allow these acts of violence to define our future,” said former Speaker Roba.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for stronger governance, enhanced security measures, and dialogue to address the underlying issues fueling unrest.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Mzee Idle Hassan and preventing further violence in a county on edge.
What Next?
The attempted assassination of Mzee Idle Hassan has exposed the fragility of peace in Isiolo and the urgent need for action to address rising insecurity.
As leaders demand answers and accountability, the people of Isiolo wait anxiously for assurances that their safety will be prioritized.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the county can reclaim its stability or descend further into chaos. For now, prayers for Mzee Idle Hassan’s recovery unite a community determined to rise above this dark moment.
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