Political firestorm as Governor Abdi, Senator Fatuma trade blame over Ruto's Isiolo heckling
Governor Abdi defended the arrests made after the incident, dismissing claims that innocent youth were being targeted while individuals linked to county leadership walked free.
A political blame game has erupted between Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo and Senator Fatuma Dullo over the heckling that marred President William Ruto's visit to Isiolo on February 7, 2025.
The two leaders have accused each other of orchestrating the chaos witnessed as rival groups disrupted the event.
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During the visit, youths from opposing camps engaged in shouting matches as Ruto addressed residents after launching the Isiolo Aggregation and Industrial Park.
The disorder has since sparked heated exchanges between the governor and the senator, with each pointing fingers at the other.
Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Fatuma alleged that the county government deliberately side-lined local leaders in the planning of the President's visit, turning what should have been an inclusive event into a political showdown.
"The governor micromanaged the President's schedule and kept us in the dark about the programme until the last minute. Leaders and the community were denied the chance to engage the President on critical issues," she said.
The senator also blamed security agencies for failing to prevent the disruptions, claiming that intelligence reports had warned of planned chaos but no action was taken.
Video evidence
She further alleged that video evidence showed county officials mobilising people to cause disorder.
"In Garbatulla, the governor openly threatened to mobilise 5,000 people and promised 'brimstone fire' against those opposing him. This is exactly what happened during the visit. The President himself was not spared," Fatuma claimed.
She asked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the political unrest and urged the Inspector General of Police to overhaul the county's security team, accusing them of bias.
Governor Abdi, however, dismissed the allegations, accusing Fatuma of engaging in political witch-hunts.
He claimed that the senator had a history of undermining county leadership and using propaganda for political mileage.
"The senator's statement is part of a well-calculated smear campaign. She has consistently spread falsehoods to discredit my administration. Her claims are not only misleading but also an insult to the security officers who worked tirelessly to maintain order," Abdi said.
Blamed senator's supporters
The governor maintained that security officers acted professionally and blamed the chaos on the senator's supporters. He argued that the disruptions were meant to embarrass him and the President.
"The senator's team was behind an online mobilisation campaign to disrupt the event, just like they did in 2021 when former Governor Kuti was heckled during Raila Odinga's visit. Her allegations against security officers are a diversionary tactic," he said.
Abdi also defended the arrests made after the incident, dismissing claims that innocent youth were being targeted while individuals linked to county leadership walked free.
He insisted that his administration remains committed to peace and warned against politicising security matters.
"My administration will not be bullied or derailed by baseless accusations. We will continue to serve the people of Isiolo with integrity," he stated.
With tensions running high, Isiolo residents remain divided over who is to blame for the chaotic scenes.
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