Isiolo, Kenya| A shocking act of violence has shattered the calm of Isiolo town, as Mzee Idle Hassan, the long-serving Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders, was brutally shot multiple times by unknown assailants near the iconic Jamia Mosque in the heart of Isiolo’s Central Business District (CBD).
The attack, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the community, raising fears of targeted political violence and regional instability.
The Attack: A Brazen Assault
According to eyewitness accounts, Mzee Idle Hassan was ambushed moments after alighting from his vehicle to perform the evening Maghrib prayers at the Jamia Mosque.
Armed assailants, whose identities remain unknown, opened fire, riddling the elder with bullets in a calculated and cold-blooded assault. The attackers fled the scene, leaving Hassan critically injured.
Hassan was immediately rushed to Al-Falah Private Hospital in Isiolo for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently transferred to Galaxy Hospital before being referred to Meru Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving specialized medical care.
As of the latest updates, Hassan remains in critical condition, with the community anxiously awaiting news of his recovery.
Political Tensions and Suspected Motives
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the incident has sparked intense speculation about its connection to recent political developments in Isiolo.
Mzee Idle Hassan, alongside Abdullahi Shariff, the Chairperson of the Somali Council of Elders, has been at the center of a contentious leadership dispute within the council.
A faction of elders recently attempted to unseat both Hassan and Shariff, a move that was swiftly rebuffed, deepening divisions within the influential body.
Further fueling speculation, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo, linked the attack to Mzee Hassan’s vocal opposition to a recent impeachment attempt against him.
The failed impeachment motion, spearheaded by deposed Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto (MRQ), had placed the Somali Council of Elders, led by Hassan and Shariff, firmly in the governor’s corner.
Governor Guyo’s administration has faced significant political turbulence in recent months, with the impeachment saga exposing deep-seated rivalries in Isiolo’s political landscape.
In a strongly worded statement, Governor Guyo condemned the attack, describing it as a “brazen and cowardly act” aimed at silencing dissent and destabilizing the region.
He pointed to the alleged presence of suspected operatives of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a controversial group, as a potential factor in the attack.
“There is growing concern over the presence of suspected OLF operatives in Isiolo, whose intentions may be to instill fear and disrupt the peace that our communities have preserved for more than two decades,” Guyo stated.
Governor Guyo’s Call for Action
In his statement, Governor Guyo called on security agencies to act with urgency to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I urge our security agencies to move swiftly and decisively to investigate this heinous crime, reassure the people of Isiolo of their safety and protection, and ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law,” he said.
The governor also extended his prayers and support to Mzee Hassan and his family, wishing the elder a “speedy and full recovery.”
The attack has heightened fears among Isiolo residents, who have enjoyed relative peace for over two decades.
The alleged involvement of external actors, such as the OLF, has raised alarm bells about the potential for regional conflicts to spill over into Isiolo, a strategically located county with a diverse population.
A Community in Shock
Mzee Idle Hassan is a respected figure in Isiolo, known for his decades-long service as the Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders.
The council plays a pivotal role in mediating disputes, fostering unity, and advising on matters of governance and community welfare. The attack on such a prominent leader has left the community reeling, with many expressing outrage and demanding answers.
“This is not just an attack on Mzee Idle; it’s an attack on the unity and peace of Isiolo,” said Halima Abdi, a local resident and businesswoman. “We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished. The authorities must act quickly to restore confidence.”
Security and Political Implications
The shooting comes at a time of heightened political tension in Isiolo, a county that has often been a flashpoint for ethnic and political rivalries.
The failed impeachment of Governor Guyo, coupled with internal wrangles within the Somali Council of Elders, has created a volatile atmosphere, raising fears that the attack on Hassan could be part of a broader campaign to destabilize the region.
The mention of suspected OLF operatives has further complicated the narrative. The Oromo Liberation Front, a group primarily active in Ethiopia, has been accused of attempting to expand its influence in border regions, including parts of northern Kenya.
While these claims remain unverified, they have intensified calls for heightened security measures in Isiolo and neighboring counties.
A Call for Unity and Justice
As investigations into the attack commence, leaders across Isiolo have called for calm and unity.
The Somali Council of Elders has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the council indicate that they are working closely with security agencies to uncover the truth behind the attack.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of political violence in Kenya, particularly in regions with complex ethnic and political dynamics.
Analysts warn that unchecked acts of violence could erode public trust in governance and security institutions, potentially fueling further instability.
For now, the people of Isiolo wait anxiously for updates on Mzee Idle Hassan’s condition and for justice to be served.
The attack on a revered community leader has cast a dark shadow over the town, but it has also sparked a renewed resolve to protect the hard-earned peace that has defined Isiolo for decades.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our platform. If you have any information related to the attack, contact local authorities.
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