Isiolo, Kenya| In a chilling escalation of violence in Isiolo County, Mzee Hassan Idle, the respected Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders, was brutally shot multiple times near the Jamia Mosque in the heart of Isiolo’s Central Business District (CBD).
The attack, which left the elder critically injured, has sparked outrage and heightened fears of deteriorating security in the region.
Isiolo County Member of Parliament Mumina Bonaya has issued a scathing condemnation of the incident, attributing it to a toxic mix of political incitement, unchecked lawlessness, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the county.
In a powerful and impassioned statement, Bonaya described the shooting as a “disgusting act of cowardice” that reflects the deepening insecurity gripping Isiolo.
She linked the attack to the volatile political climate following the failed impeachment of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, accusing certain leaders of fueling tensions through inflammatory rhetoric.
“The drums of war and inciting remarks by some leaders have created a fertile ground for violence,” Bonaya declared, pointing to the alarming silence of security agencies in the face of growing chaos.
“This is not an isolated incident,” she emphasized. “It is a symptom of the lawlessness that has taken root in Isiolo, compounded by the unchecked spread of illegal firearms in the wrong hands.”
The MP’s remarks underscore a broader crisis in the county, where political rivalries and lax security measures have emboldened criminal elements, threatening the safety of residents and undermining the rule of law.
A Call for Accountability and Action
Bonaya demanded immediate answers from security agencies, pressing them to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack on Mzee Hassan Idle.
“Who shot Mzee Hassan Idle, and why? The people of Isiolo deserve to know,” she said, stressing the need for transparency to restore public confidence.
She further called for a robust and swift response from law enforcement to restore order in Isiolo CBD, warning that failure to act decisively could lead to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
“Without firm intervention, we risk losing more lives and plunging our county into deeper chaos,” Bonaya cautioned. Her plea for action resonates with a community on edge, as residents grapple with the fear of escalating violence in a town once known for its relative calm.
The Context of Isiolo’s Growing Insecurity
The shooting of Mzee Hassan Idle comes at a time of heightened political tension in Isiolo County. The failed impeachment of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo has deepened divisions among local leaders, with rival factions accusing each other of stoking unrest.
The political fallout has coincided with a surge in violent incidents, raising concerns about the ability of security forces to maintain law and order.
The proliferation of illegal firearms in Isiolo has further exacerbated the situation, with Bonaya pointing to the easy availability of weapons as a key driver of the county’s security challenges.
Analysts have long warned that the unchecked circulation of guns, coupled with weak governance and political rivalries, could destabilize the region, making incidents like the attack on Mzee Hassan Idle all but inevitable.
A Community in Shock
The attack on Mzee Hassan Idle, a prominent and respected figure in the Somali community, has sent shockwaves through Isiolo.
As the Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders, Idle has played a critical role in fostering dialogue and resolving disputes within the community.
His shooting, carried out in broad daylight in the bustling Isiolo CBD, has left residents questioning their safety and the effectiveness of local security measures.
The Jamia Mosque, where the attack took place, is a central landmark in Isiolo, symbolizing the town’s cultural and religious diversity.
The brazen nature of the assault in such a prominent location has heightened fears that no one is safe, regardless of their status or influence.
Urgent Need for Solutions
Bonaya’s statement also called for immediate measures to guarantee the safety of Isiolo’s residents and protect their property.
She urged security agencies to step up patrols, crack down on illegal arms, and address the root causes of the county’s insecurity.
Her appeal has been echoed by community leaders and residents, who are calling for a comprehensive strategy to restore peace and stability.
The MP also extended her well-wishes to Mzee Hassan Idle, praying for his swift recovery. “We wish Mzee Hassan Idle a quick Shifaa and stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time,” she said.
A Broader National Concern
The incident in Isiolo has drawn attention to broader issues of insecurity and political violence in Kenya.
As the country navigates a complex political landscape, leaders at both the county and national levels are under pressure to address the root causes of unrest and prevent further escalation.
Bonaya’s reference to national figures such as President William Samoei Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and Transport Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen in her statement signals a call for high-level intervention to address the crisis in Isiolo.
The Path Forward
As Isiolo grapples with the aftermath of this shocking attack, the focus now turns to the response of security agencies and the government.
The shooting of Mzee Hassan Idle is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the county and the urgent need for decisive action to prevent further violence.
For residents, the hope is that Bonaya’s clarion call will spur meaningful change, ensuring that Isiolo CBD once again becomes a place where people can live and work without fear.
In the meantime, the people of Isiolo wait anxiously for answers, accountability, and, above all, a restoration of the safety and security they deserve.
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