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Elders from the Somali community have issued a public apology to Kenyan President William Ruto following a heckling incident during his recent four-day tour of the Northeastern region. The President was disrupted while addressing residents at the Prisons land in Isiolo on Friday, an incident the elders described as regrettable and unwarranted.
Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, Somali Council of Elders Chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff expressed disappointment over the behavior, emphasizing that the community does not condone disrespect toward the Head of State.
“Our main reason for coming out to speak today is as a result of what happened during the President’s visit while addressing residents at the Prisons land,” Shariff said. “We are not happy about what happened, especially we the Somalis and all the good people of Isiolo. There was no reason to heckle the Head of State.”
Shariff attributed the incident to intoxicated youths from outside Isiolo, suggesting they may have been transported to the region with the intention of causing disruption.
“Drunk youths, who even if you keenly look at them, are not people from Isiolo. Whatever they did was not right at all, and that is why I want to offer my sincerest apologies to our President,” he explained. “It was just a slight problem, but I want to assure you that we are working to ensure the mistake is ratified.”
Idle Hassan, Secretary General of the elders’ caucus, echoed Shariff’s sentiments and condemned the behavior. He praised President Ruto for his comprehensive approach to pastoralist affairs and reiterated the community’s respect for the Head of State.
“We are condemning in the strongest terms possible the incident where people tried heckling the Head of State. He is our father who equally has his respect and must be respected,” Hassan emphasized. “I am joining the others in offering my apologies due to the incident. That will not be repeated, and we want to thank you because you are hardworking and very comprehensive on pastoralist affairs.”
The heckling incident, which unfolded on Friday, saw sections of youth from rival political factions engage in shouting matches. The disruption prompted President Ruto to allege that drug dealers had orchestrated the disturbance.
“I am aware that drug dealers have sent the youth to come and cause a disturbance at this meeting. Be warned, young people—you cannot threaten the government. A foreigner cannot come and turn Isiolo into a drug den. It won’t happen,” Ruto declared.
In a related incident earlier in the day, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo was also heckled by the crowd as she attempted to address the gathering. Chants of “Dullo Must Go” erupted, forcing the Senator to cut her speech short.
The elders’ public apology aims to mend relations with the President and ensure respect for national leadership. They have vowed to address the issue to prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing the importance of peace and cooperation in Isiolo.