Tension high in Isiolo as human rights activist killed, scores injured

A civil rights campaigner was killed on Monday and another was injured as tension remained high in Isiolo, a day after two rivals clashed.

Passersby found the body of the man in his late 50s at a GK prison farm, located along the Isiolo-Moyale highway, at around 7 am.

The body, according to witnesses who were present at Isiolo Level Four Hospital, had been burnt from the torso upwards and appeared an acid had been used in the heinous incident that shocked locals, including those from Tullu Roba estate where he resided.

A mourner, who declined to be identified, said there were pieces of nylon around his neck and the back of his head.

At the scene where the body was discovered was a matchbox and a Sh 50 note.

The deceased was identified as Abdikadir Happi Abkula, who had been a human rights activist for over two decades. He had in recent years, kept a low profile outside his civil work to focus on family and prayers.

Isiolo County Commissioner, Geoffrey Omoding, said on the phone that the deceased appeared to have been killed elsewhere and his body dumped there.

Mr Omoding, who had earlier chaired the County Security Committee, called for calm among the residents, adding that the local detectives had started an investigation into the incident.

"Let's not speculate on this unfortunate incident and give the police time to investigate who and why he was killed," said the administrator.

In another incident, a high school teacher was ambushed by unknown people and beaten up, leaving him injured. The man, who was admitted to a local private hospital, had yet to report the incident to the police.

On Thursday, the Commissioner said a young man, who was among a rowdy crowd who stormed the local County Assembly and vandalised the premises, sustained a gunshot wound in the leg.

Hundreds of protesters had clashed on the day the local MCAs met at the Chamber to table a motion of impeachment against embattled Governor Abdi Guyo.

More than 10 people, mostly youth, were injured from two camps allied to the Governor and 16 out of 18 MCAs and Speaker Mohammed Qoto.

Omoding said the police are investigating to establish whether there are people who are allied to the politicians who are involved in targeting each other.

" We are aware that residents are pitted between the two camps but I appeal to them (locals) not to be misused by the politicians to turn against each other," he said.

He said the security team is closely monitoring the situation in the County, especially within Isiolo Central to normalise the situation.

" Security has been beefed up in the area but we also appeal to all residents to remain peaceful," he added.