ISIOLO COUNTY COMMISSIONER WARNS AGAINST INCITEMENT AMID SPEAKER CONTROVERSY
Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omonding has issued a stern warning to individuals inciting the public through social media, or village meetings cautioning that such actions could lead to legal consequences.
Omonding made the remarks a day after the newly gazetted Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly, Abdulahi Banticha, paid him a courtesy visit—an engagement that sparked mixed reactions amid ongoing political tensions between Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and former Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto.
The commissioner who spoke after a meeting with the county security team, emphasized that the government’s administrative role is to uphold and enforce the law. He stated that Banticha, having been officially gazetted, remains the legitimate holder of the Speaker’s position unless determined otherwise through lawful means.
As political wrangles continue to grip the county, Omonding expressed concern over rising tribal tensions and warned that the government would take swift action against anyone found inciting residents against one another. He singled out social media as a key platform where individuals are fueling tribal divisions by twisting incidents to stir public unrest.
He cited a recent hit-and-run accident that led to the death of a young man, as one example being manipulated online to create ethnic tension. In another incident in Tuluroba, where a man was shot by motorcycle-riding assailants, Omonding clarified that the matter stemmed from a personal conflict and was not politically motivated—despite attempts by some to frame it as such.
The County Commissioner also revealed that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is actively monitoring social media and local political gatherings. He warned that those engaging in incitement will be held accountable under the law.
Meanwhile, elders aligned with Governor Guyo convened a meeting at the Isiolo Municipality following the recent Senate decision to overturn an impeachment motion against the Governor on technical grounds. They blamed the ongoing leadership disputes on divisive party politics, particularly pointing fingers at the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
Sheikh Ibrahim Qabale, Chairperson of the National Muslim Leaders Forum – Isiolo Chapter, accused UDM—led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba and Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali—of orchestrating the fallout between Governor Guyo and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
He claimed the party, which commands a majority in the Assembly with eight out of 18 MCAs, is attempting to wrest political control of Isiolo from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which Governor Guyo represents.
The elders warned that continued political interference from leaders in Mandera and Marsabit poses a threat to peace and harmony in Isiolo’s multi-ethnic society. They urged the two leaders to refrain from meddling in the county’s internal affairs and allow Isiolo leaders to resolve their differences for the benefit of local residents.
Reaffirming their support for the UDA party, the elders dismissed UDM as a tribal and divisive outfit. They also called on the 16 MCAs—who left the county in the wake of the failed impeachment motion—to return, unite with Governor Guyo, and resume service to their constituents.
Elders addressing the media included representatives from the councils of elders of the Borana, Ameru, Somali, Gabra, Turkana, Sakuye, Samburu, and other minority communities. They appealed to Isiolo residents to reject external political interference and maintain peace and unity across the county.
