Demonstrators blocked sections of the key northern transport corridor, burning tyres and placing stones and debris on the road. The protests came less than 24 hours after the deadly incident in Gotu, which claimed the lives of two officers attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), a National Police Reservist, and two civilians.
According to police reports, the victims were part of a team pursuing suspected livestock thieves when they were ambushed by armed attackers in Gotu on the morning of Wednesday, September 16. Another account indicated the team had traveled to the area to search for the body of an elderly man who had allegedly been killed by suspected bandits in the Madho Gurba Huka grazing area in Chari Ward.
The killings triggered fresh protests in Isiolo, with residents expressing frustration over what they described as persistent insecurity and repeated bandit attacks. Footage from the area showed protesters occupying the highway, disrupting movement along the corridor and resulting in clashes and the disruption of business activities in parts of the town.
Residents have called on the government to deploy more security personnel and intensify operations to protect communities and livestock from armed groups. One resident highlighted the disparity between public spending and safety outcomes, stating, "Bajeti ya serikali, the large portion inenda kwa security, especially National Police Service. Na kila wakati hapa ni kuomboleza" (The government budget, the large portion goes to security, especially the National Police Service. And every time here we are mourning).
Another speaker expressed concern over the continued loss of lives in the county due to insecurity and banditry, emphasizing the community's plea for stronger security measures and urgent action against the armed groups blamed for attacks and livestock raids in the area.
Isiolo Police Commander Isaac Sang acknowledged the anger and grief following the killings but cautioned against attempts to exploit the situation for political purposes. Sang urged residents to remain calm, warning that politicians could use the situation to incite members of the public into destructive protests.
“Pole sana na tunajua ya kwamba kuna hasira, na kuna wanasiasa labda wanataka kuingilia kwa sababu ya maneno ya siasa. Ili kukonganisha ama ku-incite wananchi wafanye maandamano, wachome barabara na kuharibu rasilimali katika sehemu hii,” Sang said, translating to: "We are very sorry and we know there is anger, and there are politicians who may want to interfere because of political words. To confuse or incite citizens to hold demonstrations, burn roads, and destroy resources in this area."