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Police in Isiolo have launched a search for three armed men who shot and injured a local community leader on Thursday evening.
The victim, Idle Hassan, is the Secretary General of the Isiolo Somali Council of Elders. He was attacked outside Jamia Mosque at around 8 p.m. as he arrived for evening prayers.
According to witnesses, the three attackers were riding a motorcycle with covered number plates. They blocked Hassan’s path before one of them opened fire. After the shooting, the gunmen sped off and disappeared into the night.
Hassan was quickly taken to a hospital in Meru for treatment, where doctors confirmed that he was in stable condition and recovering from his injuries.
Family members condemned the attack, saying this was the second attempt on Hassan’s life. They expressed concern for his safety and called on authorities to take strong action to protect him and other community leaders. They also urged the police to track down the attackers and bring them to justice without delay.
Hassan is well-known in Isiolo for his role in promoting peace and unity among different groups in the county. Recently, he had been actively encouraging dialogue between political leaders following weeks of political tension. This came after a dispute between the county executive, led by Governor Abdi Guyo, and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
In June, Isiolo MCAs voted to impeach Governor Guyo, accusing him of various misconducts. However, the Senate later overturned the impeachment, saying due process had not been followed. The Senate also urged Governor Guyo to work with other leaders to restore peace and cooperation in the county.
Hassan was among the elders pushing for reconciliation, calling for an end to the political divisions that have affected service delivery and public trust in local leadership.
Police say they are pursuing leads and have appealed to members of the public to share any information that could help identify and locate the suspects. Security patrols in Isiolo have also been increased in an effort to prevent similar attacks.
Residents expressed shock over the shooting, saying Hassan is respected for his mediation efforts and has played a key role in solving community disputes. Many fear that the attack could undermine ongoing peace efforts in the region if those behind it are not held accountable.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack. However, some community members believe it could be linked to recent political tensions. Others suggest it may be related to unresolved local disputes. Police say investigations are ongoing and all possible angles are being considered.
The attack highlights growing concerns about security in Isiolo, especially for prominent figures involved in mediation and political negotiations. Civic leaders, religious figures, and community elders often work in difficult environments where disagreements can turn violent.
Hassan’s supporters have called for improved security for public figures and urged political leaders to set aside differences and focus on building unity. They warn that continued hostility among leaders could encourage violence and harm peace-building efforts.
As Hassan recovers in hospital, police say they are determined to find the culprits. They have asked anyone with information, especially those who may have seen the motorcycle or the attackers before or after the shooting, to come forward.
For now, the community waits anxiously for news of arrests, hoping justice will be served and that the incident will not derail the fragile peace in Isiolo.