By Horn Africa News
ISIOLO, KENYA – Police in Isiolo are pursuing three armed assailants who shot and injured Idle Hassan, the Secretary General of the Isiolo Somali-Kenyan Council of Elders, in a brazen attack outside Jamia Mosque on Thursday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers—riding a motorcycle with concealed number plates—ambushed Hassan as he arrived for evening prayers shortly after 8 p.m. They reportedly blocked his path and one of the gunmen fired several shots before the trio sped off into the darkness.
Hassan sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a hospital in Meru, where medics say he is in stable condition and responding well to treatment. Police have sealed off parts of Isiolo town as the search for the suspects intensifies.
“This was a targeted attack,” a police source told local media on condition of anonymity. “We are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and following leads that could help us apprehend the culprits.”
The shooting comes just weeks after Hassan publicly urged political leaders in Isiolo to engage in dialogue and end heightened tensions following a bitter political standoff between the county executive and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
In June, MCAs voted to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo, citing alleged misconduct and abuse of office. However, the Senate overturned the impeachment and directed the governor to reconcile with other county leaders—a process Hassan had been actively advocating for in public forums.
Hassan’s family has condemned the attack, describing it as the second attempt on his life in recent months. “We are living in fear,” a close relative said. “We urge the government to protect us and ensure these criminals face the full force of the law.”
Local leaders and human rights activists have also called for a thorough investigation, warning that such attacks could inflame tensions in a region already grappling with political divisions and sporadic insecurity.
Police are appealing to members of the public to share any information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.
