PHOTO CREDIT – CITIZEN DIGITAL
Isiolo County, Kenya – Concerns are mounting over the reported disappearance of young residents following a political confrontation during President William Ruto’s rally in Isiolo on February 7, 2025. Allegations indicate that individuals who openly opposed the President’s speech may have been abducted in the aftermath.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that a team of legal experts has been deployed to Isiolo to investigate the reports. Through her statement on X (formerly Twitter) on February 9, 2025, Odhiambo urged locals to document suspicious incidents. “We are closely following reports from Isiolo and have advocates on the ground to assist. Please record, post, and share details: Name. Location. Time. We remain vigilant. Let justice be our shield and defender!” she stated.
Social media platforms have been flooded with unverified reports alleging that young people who heckled President Ruto during his speech have been systematically targeted. Political commentator Alinur Mohamed echoed these concerns, warning that the abductions appeared intended to silence dissent. “I have received reports that comrades in Isiolo County are being picked up one by one after their chants against Kasongo. No matter what they do, you can never force people to like you,” he said.
The unrest during the rally began when Isiolo MP Bonaya Mumina Gollo addressed the crowd, followed by Governor Abdi Guyo urging the public to maintain decorum. The audience continued to disrupt proceedings, chanting against the President and demanding his departure. Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo also tried to calm the crowd, urging, “Let us not throw stones.”
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President Ruto responded to the confrontations, attributing the disruptions to drug cartels allegedly using youth to challenge his administration. “We’ve been having problems in Isiolo and Marsabit with foreigners bringing drugs here and selling them to our children. Let me be clear – we will deport these drug dealers. I hear these drug dealers have brought youth to heckle us here. Listen carefully, young people – you cannot intimidate the Kenyan government,” he stated.
Despite the tense environment, President Ruto emphasized his commitment to development projects in Isiolo, asserting, “Take your threats elsewhere. I will build Isiolo.”
The unfolding situation has raised concerns about political freedoms, human rights, and the safety of citizens in Isiolo County. Authorities and local human rights organizations continue to monitor developments closely.
For more of these stories, read metros.co.ke/.
