President William Ruto visited Isiolo County as part of his development tour in Kenya’s North Eastern region.
During a ceremony for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park project, some residents disrupted the event by chanting slogans like “Ruto must go,” leading to a premature conclusion of his address.
In response to the unrest, President Ruto attributed the disruptions to drug traffickers opposing his administration’s crackdown on narcotics in the area.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, particularly in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, and warned that foreign nationals involved in the drug trade would face deportation.
Despite the challenges, President Ruto continued with his planned activities in Isiolo. He launched the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, aiming to enhance regional trade by improving road connectivity between Isiolo and Mandera, facilitating access to neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia.
Additionally, he inspected the Isiolo Export Abattoir, a facility designed to boost livestock farmers’ market access, and assessed the progress of the Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to transform the North Eastern region through infrastructure development and economic empowerment.
President Ruto reiterated his administration’s dedication to uplifting marginalized areas and addressing challenges such as drug trafficking that hinder progress.
