Somali community elders in Isiolo County have condemned the heckling of President William Ruto and other leaders during his visit on Friday.
Through Isiolo Somali Council of Elders Chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi and Secretary General Idle Hassan, the elders termed the incident disrespectful and regrettable stating that such actions should not be repeated.
Abdulkadir said it was unfortunate that the Head of State faced hostility in Isiolo while concluding his regional tour, despite receiving a warm welcome in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, where he spent nights earlier in the week.
He noted that while residents in the neighboring counties benefited from government pledges after showing respect, Isiolo missed an opportunity to present its concerns to the President.
The elders urged local leaders to unite, drawing lessons from their counterparts in Northern Kenya, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
They also asked President Ruto to forgive Isiolo residents, adding that those who heckled him may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or could have come from outside the county.
