Opinion leaders and residents from Isiolo County have distanced themselves from a group that recently travelled to Wamunyoro, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s residence, saying the individuals did not represent the views of the people of Isiolo.
Elders, women and youth drawn from different communities, including Turkana, Meru, Borana, Somali, Gabra, Samburu and Kikuyu, said those involved in the incident acted in their individual capacity.
The residents said the county remains committed to peace, unity and respect for national institutions, insisting that no individual or group should invoke Isiolo’s name while attacking or disrespecting President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki.
The development comes after a group of Isiolo residents travelled to Wamunyoro, where they confronted the President during a political gathering, sparking condemnation from sections of the county.
They maintained that political differences were legitimate but should not be allowed to degenerate into insults, intimidation or confrontation involving the Head of State.
The residents also said they recognised the National Government’s development projects in Isiolo and reaffirmed that President Ruto remains welcome in the county.
“We want to make it clear that those who went to Wamunyoro did not carry the mandate of the people of Isiolo. They spoke for themselves and should not use the name of the county to advance their political agenda,” the leaders said.
They urged residents to maintain the county’s reputation as a cosmopolitan region where different communities coexist peacefully despite political differences.
The residents further expressed confidence in the county’s elected leadership, backing Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan (Guyo), Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya and Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal Lomwa to continue serving their constituents.
They said the county’s political leadership should be judged through development and service delivery rather than confrontational politics.
The leaders warned that Isiolo’s diverse communities should not be dragged into national political battles, saying the actions of a few individuals should not be interpreted as the position of the wider population.
They also appealed to political leaders to embrace dialogue ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying disagreements should be addressed through democratic and peaceful channels.
The residents said Isiolo would continue welcoming leaders from across the political divide but would not support anyone using the county’s name to promote hostility.
“Isiolo is peaceful and welcoming. The President is welcome in Isiolo at any time. Those who went to Wamunyoro spoke for themselves, and the people of Isiolo have now spoken for themselves,” they said.
