By Betty Luke
The Somali Council of Elders(SCE) has urged for calm in the wake of rising political tensions over a planned impeachment motion against Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo.
The elders said the decision by the MCAs to impeach the county boss could destabilize the county and disrupt vital services, adversely affecting the residents.
Led by their Chairperson Abdikadir Shariff Abdullahi, the elders expressed concern that the process, though legal, should only be considered as last resort when all other options have failed.
“We are not supporting any side. We are only calling for peace, tolerance and understanding,” said Mr Abdullahi.
He added that prolonged political conflict would shift attention away from key development and service delivery needs in the county.
The elders urged Members of the County Assembly and the Governor to consider mediation as a peaceful solution to the current standoff so that peace prevails.
“Our urgent need is peace. We need a peaceful environment to ensure we carry on with our usual activities. We are therefore calling for a dialogue to ensure peace prevails,”read part of a statement that was read by Somali community professional Luqman Ahmed on behalf of the elders.
SCE Secretary General Idle Hassan called on the elected leaders to listen to the people who voted for them noting their work was to represent the electorates and not advance their own interests.
Vice Chairperson Osman Bidu said elders were irked by the unfolding events and would not sit and watch as the county sinks in political uncertainty.
He added that leaders must be given a chance to correct their mistakes instead of being fought.
The elders said Isiolo has always had peaceful politics and should not be dragged into chaos by a few individuals with personal interests.
The call comes amid rising political temperatures with MCAs tabling a second impeachment motion against the county boss that is set to be debated next week.
