Somali Council of Elders secretary general shot multiple times in Isiolo

Mzee Idle Hassan. (Photo: Dr Abdi Issa)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Friday, August 8, 2025

The attack is reported to have happened at around 8:00 pm, shortly after Mzee Idle Hassan left evening prayers, leaving the community deeply unsettled.

The shooting of the Somali Council of Elders Secretary General, Mzee Idle Hassan, on Thursday evening in Isiolo town has drawn widespread condemnation.

According to eyewitnesses, Idle was shot multiple times near Jamia Mosque at around 8:00 pm, shortly after he left evening prayers, leaving the community deeply unsettled.

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Idle was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and is receiving treatment, with his condition closely monitored.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo has linked the incident to Idle’s outspoken opposition to a recent failed impeachment process.

“This brazen and cowardly act appears to be linked to his firm stance against the recently failed impeachment process,” Governor Abdi said in a statement on Thursday night.

Governor Abdi further warned about the presence of suspected Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) operatives in Isiolo, whose aim, he said, was to instil fear and undermine the peace maintained by the community for over twenty years.

He called on security agencies to intensify investigations and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“I urge our security agencies to move swiftly and decisively to investigate this heinous crime, bring the perpetrators to justice, and reassure the people of Isiolo of their safety and protection,” he said.

In a statement, however, real estate magnate Mwenda Thuranira urged all communities in Isiolo not to be swayed by divisive narratives and called on the authorities to investigate the shooting.

"What is disturbing is the governor's hasty attempt to politicise the incident, linking it to impeachment efforts and OLF operatives. This kind of careless rhetoric, before any investigation has even started, is not only irrational, it is a cruel insult to the family and community of a wounded elder. It shows a shocking lack of empathy and a dangerous willingness to use tragedy for political gain," said Thuranira via Facebook.

According to the Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Rehema Dida Jaldesa, the attempt on Idle's life adds to the growing shooting incidents in Isiolo, including the targeting of Burat Ward MCA Nicholas Lorot and Ismail Abdikadir.

Rehema urged security agencies to act firmly to bring the perpetrators to book and restore harmony in the county.

"This kind of targeted violence is new in our county, a place where people of different communities have lived together in harmony for generations. Isiolo has always been a beacon of peaceful coexistence. It is painful and unacceptable to witness this fabric being torn apart by criminal elements. I have consistently voiced my concerns about hired goons being used to instil fear and terror among our people. We must not sit back and allow this dangerous trend to continue," said Rehema.

Idle has been a central figure in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Isiolo and the wider northern Kenya region.

His leadership within the Somali Council of Elders is said to have helped maintain dialogue and stability among communities.

The attack has heightened anxiety among locals and leaders who have previously expressed concerns about increasing political tensions and the possible involvement of armed groups seeking to disrupt peace efforts in the county.