In a passionate plea that echoed through the hallowed halls of Kenya’s Parliament, Isiolo County Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya took a firm stand against the escalating wave of violence plaguing her constituency.
On the evening of August 12, 2025, Bonaya demanded an urgent statement from the relevant authorities, spotlighting the deteriorating security situation in Isiolo County and calling for transparency in the investigation into the brazen shooting of a revered community leader.
Her intervention not only highlights the growing fears among residents but also underscores the urgent need for accountability in a region increasingly marred by political intrigue, ethnic tensions, and unchecked criminality.
A Cry for Accountability in Parliament
Rising to address the National Assembly, Bonaya painted a grim picture of Isiolo’s security landscape, where fear has become a daily companion for ordinary citizens.
She specifically zeroed in on the recent attack on Mr. Idle Hassan Ibrahim, the Secretary General of the Somali Council of Elders—a pivotal figure in mediating community disputes and fostering peace in the multi-ethnic county.
Ibrahim was ambushed and severely injured in a shooting incident that has sent shockwaves through the region, amplifying concerns over targeted violence against influential voices.
Bonaya’s demands were clear and unequivocal: She urged the Ministry of Interior and other security agencies to provide a comprehensive update on the progress of the investigation into Ibrahim’s shooting.
Furthermore, she pressed for details on the measures being implemented to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing that impunity cannot be allowed to fester in a democratic society.
“The people of Isiolo deserve answers and action,” she asserted, framing the incident not as an isolated event but as symptomatic of broader systemic failures in law enforcement and governance.
This parliamentary call comes amid a series of troubling events in Isiolo, a county strategically located in northern Kenya and known for its pastoralist communities, wildlife conservancies, and economic potential as a gateway to the LAPSSET Corridor.
However, these assets have been overshadowed by persistent insecurity, including banditry, cattle rustling, resource-based conflicts, and politically motivated violence.
Bonaya’s statement builds on her previous interventions, such as her earlier condemnation of Ibrahim’s shooting and her concerns over other disappearances and abductions in the area, reflecting her role as a vigilant advocate for her constituents.
Echoing the Call on Social Media
Not content with confining her advocacy to the parliamentary floor, Bonaya took to social media later that day to amplify her message and rally public support.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), under her handle @muminabonaya, she reiterated her demands, writing: “This afternoon, on the floor of the house, I requested for a statement regarding growing insecurity in Isiolo County, and demanded for progress made in the investigation into the recent shooting and severe injury of the Secretary General of Somali Council of Elders, Mr. Idle Hassan Ibrahim, and steps taken to prosecute those responsible.”
The post, which quickly garnered attention from followers and fellow politicians, serves as a digital extension of her parliamentary efforts, leveraging social platforms to engage a wider audience.
Bonaya’s online presence is consistent with her profile as a modern leader— a former Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Education in the Republic of Kenya, past Chair of the Women Enterprise Fund, and a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Women award in 2016.
Her bio on X highlights her commitment to women’s empowerment and community development, making her a prominent voice for marginalized groups in Isiolo’s diverse demographic tapestry.
The Shooting Incident: A Turning Point in Isiolo’s Security Crisis
The catalyst for Bonaya’s urgent plea was the shocking assault on Mr. Idle Hassan Ibrahim on the evening of August 7, 2025.
According to multiple reports, the elder was gunned down by three unknown assailants near the Jamia Mosque in Isiolo’s Central Business District (CBD) as he made his way to evening prayers.
Shot multiple times, Ibrahim survived the attack and was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment, where he continues to recover amid tight security.
Eyewitnesses described the attackers as masked gunmen on a getaway motorbike, a tactic reminiscent of hit-and-run operations seen in other volatile regions.
The incident has been widely condemned as politically motivated, with Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo linking it to ongoing political tensions, including a failed impeachment motion against him.
In a statement issued shortly after the shooting, Governor Guyo described the attack as “an assault on peace and the soul of our community,” urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent Isiolo from descending into chaos.
The Somali Council of Elders, of which Ibrahim is a key member, plays a crucial role in resolving disputes within the Somali community and promoting inter-ethnic harmony in Isiolo.
Comprising respected traditional leaders, the council has historically mediated conflicts over grazing lands, water resources, and political representation in a county where Borana, Somali, Meru, Turkana, and Samburu communities coexist—often uneasily.
Ibrahim’s targeting has raised alarms about attempts to silence dissenting voices, particularly those opposing certain political maneuvers.
Residents and local leaders have expressed growing alarm over the rising crime rate, with the shooting amplifying fears that Isiolo is transforming into a “killing field.” Reports from the ground indicate a surge in assassinations, abductions, and intimidation tactics, often tied to political rivalries and external influences.
For instance, Bonaya herself has previously raised concerns in Parliament about the disappearance of individuals like Mr. Abdullahi Bonso Abdi, abducted along the Kinna-Rapsu road, highlighting a pattern of unresolved cases that erode public trust in security forces.
Broader Implications: Political Tensions and Calls for Reform
Bonaya’s intervention arrives at a critical juncture for Isiolo, where political divisions have deepened. Recent accusations point to external forces, including leaders from neighboring counties like Marsabit, allegedly interfering in local affairs.
Bonaya has accused figures such as Marsabit Governor and United Democratic Movement (UDM) party leader Sen. Ali Roba of meddling, which she claims exacerbates instability.
These claims have sparked backlash from some quarters, with Northern Kenya MCAs labeling her remarks as divisive, yet they underscore the intricate web of alliances and rivalries fueling the county’s woes.
Experts attribute Isiolo’s insecurity to a confluence of factors: competition over scarce resources amid climate change-induced droughts, the proliferation of small arms from porous borders, and the politicization of ethnic identities ahead of future elections.
The county’s strategic importance as part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 infrastructure projects makes stability paramount, yet incidents like Ibrahim’s shooting threaten to deter investment and tourism.
Other leaders have joined the chorus of condemnation. Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa described the attack as a “cowardly act” that should not disrupt social cohesion, while community figures like Halima K. Dida and Hassan Abdub Salesa warned that Isiolo risks becoming a “mafia-run” territory if inaction persists.
Even national broadcasters like KBC have highlighted residents’ fears, with reports of the town turning into a hotspot for organized terror.
A Call to Action: Towards a Safer Isiolo
As Mumina Bonaya continues to champion the cause of her people, her latest parliamentary and social media efforts serve as a rallying cry for comprehensive reforms.
Enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing initiatives, and cross-border collaborations could stem the tide of violence. Moreover, prosecuting high-profile cases like Ibrahim’s would signal a zero-tolerance stance on impunity, restoring faith in institutions.
For the residents of Isiolo, Bonaya’s voice represents hope amid despair—a reminder that leadership rooted in empathy and resolve can pave the way for peace.
As investigations unfold, all eyes are on the authorities to deliver justice, ensuring that the county’s vibrant cultural mosaic endures rather than fractures under the weight of fear.
With her track record of advocacy, Bonaya remains a beacon for accountability, urging Kenya to confront the shadows threatening its northern frontiers.
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