Isiolo, Kenya – Somali elders in Isiolo County have officially apologized to President William Ruto following a chaotic heckling incident during his recent visit. The elders condemned the behavior of a section of residents who shouted “Uongo!” (Lies!) during the President’s speech, disrupting his address.
The apology comes after a viral video showed the President being interrupted while making remarks about his administration’s achievements. The elders distanced themselves from the incident, claiming that those responsible were mainly intoxicated youth and individuals from outside the region.
Isiolo Elders Condemn the Heckling
Speaking on behalf of the local leadership, Isiolo elder Hussein Mohamed stated that the hecklers did not represent the views of the community. He emphasized that President Ruto had always supported pastoralist communities and that his government had initiated numerous development projects in the region.
“We sincerely apologize to His Excellency President Ruto for the unfortunate incident. The individuals who caused the disruption were not speaking for Isiolo residents but were acting out of external influence,” Mohamed stated.
Another elder, Abdi Noor, warned political leaders against inciting youth to cause chaos during high-profile visits. He urged residents to respect the presidency and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to public disruptions.
Government’s Commitment to Isiolo
During his visit, President Ruto highlighted key government projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of Isiolo residents. These include investments in infrastructure, water supply, and security measures to curb banditry and cattle rustling.
Despite the heckling, Ruto maintained his composure and continued to address the crowd. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring economic growth and stability in the region.
Calls for Unity and Respect
Local leaders and community members have called for unity, urging residents to engage respectfully with the government. They also emphasized the need to address youth unemployment, which they believe contributes to political unrest and disruptive behavior during public events.As Isiolo continues to develop, leaders have assured President Ruto of their support and cooperation. They hope that future engagements between the government and residents will be conducted with mutual respect and decorum.
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