Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has weighed in on the political tension witnessed in Isiolo over the weekend, arguing that President William Ruto should take partial responsibility for the unrest. The incident, which saw a section of youths heckling the Head of State during his visit for an Aggregation and Industrial Park project, has sparked debate about leadership and public engagement.
Havi, speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, asserted that the Isiolo youth were merely responding to President Ruto’s provocative remarks. According to Havi, the President should not have reacted strongly to the heckling since he himself had engaged in verbal confrontation with the residents.
“It is said that the youth heckled the President. With tremendous respect, I think the President also heckled the people of Isiolo. When you heckle the people, why should you be surprised when they heckle back?” Havi questioned. He emphasized the need for mutual respect between leaders and citizens, stating that proper communication should be upheld to maintain public order.
“Shouting is not the best way of persuading anybody in a communication,” he added.
The chaos unfolded on Friday when President Ruto addressed a roadside rally in Isiolo, warning of a crackdown on drug peddlers in the county as well as in Marsabit. His speech was interrupted by a group of youths who jeered at him, prompting a sharp rebuke from the President.
President Ruto claimed that some of the hecklers had been sent by drug dealers seeking to disrupt his message. He insisted that his government would not tolerate drug trafficking networks in the region.
“I am aware the drug dealers have sent the youth to come and make noise in this meeting. Be warned, young people, you can’t threaten the government. A foreigner cannot come and turn Isiolo into a drug den. It won’t happen,” Ruto stated.
Following the incident, security forces launched a crackdown in Isiolo Town, leading to the arrest of about 50 youths between Friday and Saturday. The individuals were later released on Monday after pleading guilty to charges of being drunk and disorderly.
Isiolo and Marsabit counties have long been known as major transit routes for bhang trafficking from neighboring Ethiopia. The government’s latest move signals a renewed effort to curb drug-related activities in the region, though critics like Havi argue that addressing socio-economic issues should take precedence over harsh crackdowns.
