Just two days after President William Ruto encountered jeers from a section of the crowd during his recent four-day visit to the Northeastern region, Somali community elders have come forward to extend an apology.
Speaking at a press briefing in Isiolo on Sunday, the elders, led by Somali Council of Elders Chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff, voiced their disappointment over the reception the President received in the area.
“We are here today to address the unfortunate incident that took place when the President was speaking at the Prisons land,” Shariff stated.
“As Somalis and as residents of Isiolo, we are deeply displeased by what transpired. There was no justification for disrupting the President’s speech,” he added.
The elders blamed the incident on a group of intoxicated youths, whom they claimed were not locals but had been brought in from outside the region.
“These individuals were under the influence, and upon closer examination, it is clear they are not from Isiolo. Their conduct was unacceptable, and for that, I offer my sincere apologies to the President,” Shariff remarked.
“While it may seem like a minor issue, we are taking steps to ensure such disruptions do not happen again,” he assured.
At the same time, the Secretary General of the elders’ caucus, Idle Hassan, denounced the behavior, stressing that President Ruto has been actively engaged in addressing the concerns of pastoralist communities.
“We strongly disapprove of the disrespect shown to the Head of State. He is our leader and should be treated with dignity,” Hassan stated.
“I join others in apologizing for this incident. It will not be repeated, and we appreciate your continued efforts on matters affecting pastoralists,” he added.
The chaotic scenes on Friday saw rival youth groups shouting at each other, prompting Ruto to claim that some had been mobilized by drug dealers to disrupt the gathering.
“I know drug traffickers have sent some youths here to cause trouble. Let me make it clear—you will not intimidate the government. Isiolo will not be turned into a haven for drugs by foreigners. That will not happen,” Ruto declared.
Earlier that day, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo also faced a hostile reception as she attempted to address the gathering in the President’s presence, with the crowd chanting, “Dullo Must Go!”
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