Daandi Qarooma

The SAKUYE Cultural Festival was a rare and profound celebration of heritage, identity, and living tradition, an event whose depth and richness set it apart as truly one of its kind. Hosted at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, the festival transformed the space into a vibrant cultural landscape where history, art, and communal memory converged.

At the heart of the festival was a vivid portrayal of Sakuye traditions surrounding marriage, expressed through symbolic performances and rituals. Particularly striking was the contrast in sitting postures among virgin girls, youths, and the elderly, each posture laden with meaning, discipline, and respect, silently communicating age, virtue, and social responsibility. These visual cues spoke volumes about the values that anchor the Sakuye way of life.

Music and poetry flowed seamlessly throughout the celebration, narrating the intimate relationship between the Sakuye people and their environment. Songs of the camel, an enduring symbol of survival and prosperity, resonated deeply, while poetic verses honored cattle as both livelihood and legacy. Equally evocative were songs celebrating borehole drilling, a modern triumph interwoven with traditional gratitude, alongside soulful melodies of love that reflected tenderness and emotional depth within the culture. Prayer, ever central to Sakuye life, was woven into these performances, grounding the festivities in spirituality and collective reverence.

The festival also offered a rich sensory experience through the display of traditional foods. Cultural delicacies such as Koche and kakka were proudly showcased, accompanied by fresh camel milk and Chuuche, camel yoghurt, each item reflecting both nourishment and cultural continuity. These offerings were more than cuisine; they were expressions of identity passed down through generations.

One of the most compelling aspects of the festival was the clear cultural kinship between the Sakuye and related communities such as the Garba and the Garri, forming a living chain that connects them to the broader Somali cultural world. This connection was beautifully illustrated through songs and dances reminiscent of Heela and Burambur from Northern Somalia, which took center stage and underscored a shared heritage that transcends borders.

The atmosphere reached a thrilling crescendo when Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo arrived past midnight, igniting the crowd with renewed energy. Political songs filled the hall in praise of Governor Abdi Guyo, Governor Abdi Kuti, Governor Godana Doyo, Isiolo County Member of Parliament Mumina Golo and Speaker Banticha, took center stage to warmly welcome the Governor and his accompanying delegation. The moment fused culture and leadership, highlighting the role of governance in preserving and celebrating indigenous heritage.

As the night stretched into the early hours of the morning, KICC remained alive with ecstatic celebration, joy, and unity. The SAKUYE Cultural Festival was not merely an event, it was a powerful affirmation of identity, resilience, and pride, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness to its brilliance.

Isiolo marked its 62nd Jamhuri Day in Garbatula with colour, vigour, and a confident sense of purpose. Beneath fluttering flags and jubilant crowds, the celebrations became more than a commemoration of independence; they transformed into a testament of progress, resilience, and collective resolve.

With wit and pride, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan walked the congregation through a record of tangible achievements. Education took centre stage, with three fully constructed and operational ECD centres in every ward, supported by 119 newly hired teachers. These centres are not only equipped but digitally enabled, while the nutritious porridge programme stands as a quiet yet powerful shield against early dropouts, nurturing both minds and futures.

Healthcare, the Governor reminded, is a right, not a privilege. In just three years, eight new health facilities have been completed and operationalised. Major strides include the equipping of an Accident and Emergency Unit at ICTRH through partnerships with the National Government and Safaricom Foundation, The rehabilitation of a 128-slice CT Scan, and the introduction of Digital X-Ray services to reduce referrals. Garbatula Level 4 Hospital now boasts a functional theatre, while the newly launched Eye Unit has restored sight and dignity through over 200 cataract surgeries.

Economic empowerment echoed strongly. Livestock, the backbone of Isiolo’s economy, received a boost with the export abattoir now ready for operationalisation. Tourism and wildlife conservation were anchored in law through the assent of three landmark Acts: the Isiolo Tourism Act 2025, the Wildlife Act 2025, and the Community Conservancies Act. These laws illuminate new pathways for livelihoods, conservation, and sustainable growth. Supporting this vision, access roads in game reserves, Buffalo Springs bridges, and the airstrip have been rehabilitated, reaffirming that tourism thrives where security and infrastructure prevail.

Peace and coexistence emerged as the moral compass of the day. The Governor lauded leaders and elders who chose dialogue over discord following a tragic incident involving the killing of one man from Abudhwaq community. By embracing tradition, compensation, and unity, Isiolo opted for peace over the peril of tribal animosity, affirming that prosperity is impossible without harmony.

Water security, another lifeline, showed steady progress with 68 boreholes sunk, most equipped or in the process, despite challenges where 8 boreholes water proved insufficient. Yet the Governor did not shy away from hard truths, sounding a stern warning over rising insecurity in Isiolo CBD and calling on national security agencies to act decisively.

As gratitude flowed to past and present leaders, the celebrations closed with a quiet confidence: Isiolo is moving forward—steadily, boldly, and together. On this Jamhuri Day, freedom was not only remembered; it was actively built.

siolo marked its 62nd Jamhuri Day in Garbatula with colour, vigour, and a confident sense of purpose. Beneath fluttering flags and jubilant crowds, the celebrations became more than a commemoration of independence; they transformed into a testament of progress, resilience, and collective resolve.

With wit and pride, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan walked the congregation through a record of tangible achievements. Education took centre stage, with three fully constructed and operational ECD centres in every ward, supported by 119 newly hired teachers. These centres are not only equipped but digitally enabled, while the nutritious porridge programme stands as a quiet yet powerful shield against early dropouts, nurturing both minds and futures.

Healthcare, the Governor reminded, is a right, not a privilege. In just three years, eight new health facilities have been completed and operationalised. Major strides include the equipping of an Accident and Emergency Unit at ICTRH through partnerships with the National Government and Safaricom Foundation, The rehabilitation of a 128-slice CT Scan, and the introduction of Digital X-Ray services to reduce referrals. Garbatula Level 4 Hospital now boasts a functional theatre, while the newly launched Eye Unit has restored sight and dignity through over 200 cataract surgeries.

Economic empowerment echoed strongly. Livestock, the backbone of Isiolo’s economy, received a boost with the export abattoir now ready for operationalisation. Tourism and wildlife conservation were anchored in law through the assent of three landmark Acts: the Isiolo Tourism Act 2025, the Wildlife Act 2025, and the Community Conservancies Act. These laws illuminate new pathways for livelihoods, conservation, and sustainable growth. Supporting this vision, access roads in game reserves, Buffalo Springs bridges, and the airstrip have been rehabilitated, reaffirming that tourism thrives where security and infrastructure prevail.

Peace and coexistence emerged as the moral compass of the day. The Governor lauded leaders and elders who chose dialogue over discord following a tragic incident involving the killing of one man from Abudhwaq community. By embracing tradition, compensation, and unity, Isiolo opted for peace over the peril of tribal animosity, affirming that prosperity is impossible without harmony.

Water security, another lifeline, showed steady progress with 68 boreholes sunk, most equipped or in the process, despite challenges where 8 boreholes water proved insufficient. Yet the Governor did not shy away from hard truths, sounding a stern warning over rising insecurity in Isiolo CBD and calling on national security agencies to act decisively.

As gratitude flowed to past and present leaders, the celebrations closed with a quiet confidence: Isiolo is moving forward—steadily, boldly, and together. On this Jamhuri Day, freedom was not only remembered; it was actively built.

What began as a celebration of heritage swiftly evolved into a spectacle of political chemistry. The Sakuye Cultural Festival, expected to be a vibrant collage of tradition, music, and identity, instead blossomed into something much larger, a stage where culture and the future of Isiolo intertwined in full public view.

Under the glow of celebration, something unmistakably strategic was unfolding. The gathering, already monumental for its display of Sakuye pride, appeared to pulse with political anticipation. What had been planned as a cultural rendezvous became, almost effortlessly, a launchpad: the symbolic first stride of a familiar yet re-energized political alignment stepping confidently toward 2027.

For many in attendance, the atmosphere recalled a political moment etched in recent memory. The echoes of the 2013 Saku–Jimma coalition, also referred to as “Chopper Alliance”, a formidable alliance that once glided into victory with barely a ripple of resistance, resonated strongly. The visible synergy, the unspoken confidence, the seamless camaraderie, they suggested a coalition reborn, refined, and ready to attempt a similar triumph.

Music became the unexpected herald of this new tone. Singers poured out rhythmic fire, timeless cultural and political anthems and fresh, electrifying verses, each beat stirring nostalgia and ambition in equal measure. It wasn’t merely entertainment; it was mood-shaping. It captured minds, awakened old loyalties, and signaled the possibility of a return to the grand political choreography Isiolo once witnessed.

In the crowd’s whispers and knowing glances, comparisons formed naturally. The Abdi Guyo–Doyo- union drew parallels to the earlier Doyo–Kuti alliance, a coalition remembered for weaving together Isiolo’s rich diversity: the larger Boran,  Turkana, Samburu, Meru, Somali, Garre, and the M-37 communities. It was a partnership built not only on numbers, but on the promise of collective progress.

Isiolo, a county defined by cosmopolitan character, cultural richness, and political unpredictability, has seen many alliances rise and fall. Yet what stands out today is not merely the prospect of electoral influence. It is the broader expectation that any coalition seeking leadership must measure up to the transformative development witnessed in recent years, (especially during the current Abdi Guyo Regime), the massive infrastructural leaps, administration reforms, and a renewed vision for shared prosperity.

As the final cultural dances concluded and applause rolled like thunder across the festival grounds, one truth lingered: the Sakuye Cultural Festival of 2025, will be remembered not only for its beauty, but for its timing. It marked the moment when the celebration cracked open a glimpse into Isiolo’s political tomorrow, a tomorrow that will demand both cohesion and ambition.

The festival curtain fell, but the performance, it seemed, had only just begun.

Watch this space😀

The overwhelming victories secured by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the recently concluded by-elections mark a pivotal moment in Kenya’s contemporary political landscape. From Banisa in the far north to Magarini along the coast, From Baringo in the Rift Valley; and from Malava in the western region to Kasipul and Ugunja in Nyanza, and deep in the middle of Central Kenya at Mbeere North Constituency, the electorate has delivered a message that could hardly be louder or more unmistakable. These wins, spread across diverse regions, reflect not only the strength of the ruling party an

While the success of UDA and ODM may not necessarily reflect a sweeping endorsement of the current administration’s achievements, it undeniably exposes the deep fractures within the opposition. The disarray appears to be exacerbated by the divisive and often trivializing narratives championed by figures such as the Gachagua–Muturi duo. Similarly, the inconsistency associated with the “Kupita Katikati” and perceived “watermelon” positions attributed to Kalonzo Musyoka, alongside the strategic opportunism seen in the Matiang’i–Wamalwa axis, has further diluted the opposition’s credibility. In contrast, ODM—Kenya’s oldest and one of its most organized political formations, alongside the ruling UDA, continues to operate with structure, reach, and strategic clarity.

Moreover, even the Mrima rhetorics of Rigathi Gachagua—who boldly claimed to command unwavering political control, have now been decisively challenged. The recent by-elections have showcased a different reality: the current Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki, has firmly stamped his authority in the region, demonstrating that influence is earned not through loud declarations but through effective engagement and strategic leadership. This shift signals not only the diminishing impact of Gachagua’s narratives but also the consolidation of a new political order within the Mount Kenya bloc.

For those who assumed that the political departure of Raila Odinga—the Enigma—would fracture the ruling coalition or create a vacuum ripe for opposition resurgence, the current developments suggest otherwise. Instead of disintegration, the cooperation between UDA and ODM appears to have deepened, signaling that the anticipated political shake-ups post-Raila may have been overstated. Likewise, predictions that ODM’s influence would wane without its founding figure have proven premature; the party’s presence and organizational machinery remain firmly intact.

All indicators now point toward a strengthened UDA–ODM axis, bolstered significantly by unwavering support from nomadic pastoralist communities across the country. If this momentum is sustained, it paints a political picture in which the path to a second presidential term seems less speculative and more a matter of formal confirmation once the votes are counted.

Meanwhile, the opposition’s persistent claims of impending electoral irregularities have begun to appear less like principled democratic concern and more like preemptive justifications for anticipated electoral shortcomings. What was intended to serve as a rallying cry has increasingly sounded like attention-seeking rhetoric, an attempt to shift blame to the government rather than confront internal weaknesses or ineffective voter mobilization strategies.

In sum, the by-elections have not only reshaped the political environment but also crystallized the shifting balance of power. The unity and strategic coordination between UDA and ODM stand in sharp contrast to the fragmented, inconsistent, and often reactive posture of the opposition. As Kenya moves toward the next general election, the trajectory appears set, unless the opposition can reorganize, reconnect with voters, and present a coherent alternative, the current alliance between UDA and ODM may well remain the dominant force in national politics.

The demise of the Isiolo South Member of Parliament, Hon. Mohamed Tupi Bidu on Wednesday evening, cast a somber cloud over Isiolo and the greater region, uniting communities in a moment of collective grief. In a place where political rivalry had recently strained relationships and threatened to widen divisions, his passing became an unexpected bridge, softening hearts, quieting disputes, and bringing together leaders who had once stood on opposing ends of a bitter contest.

Among those who stepped forward with exceptional grace was H.E. Governor Abdi Guyo. Despite having himself been a victim of a political coup in which the late legislator had played an active role, the Governor emerged as a symbol of reconciliation and leadership. Long before Hon. Tupi Bidu’s passing, Governor Guyo had extended an olive branch publicly. During the most recent Madaraka Day celebrations in Ngaremara, he called upon the congregation to pray for the ailing MP. More significantly, he openly sought his partnership, together with that of the Senator, in the collective duty of serving the electorate. It was a gesture that reflected not only political maturity but a deeper commitment to unity and service above personal differences.

The Governor’s compassion did not end with words. He visited the late legislator in hospital shortly before leaving the country, demonstrating genuine concern beyond the political theater. When news of the MP’s passing reached him abroad, Governor Guyo was among the first to send heartfelt condolences. From afar, he swiftly coordinated support, taking a leading role in the planning and financing of the burial arrangements. His administration covered key logistical needs: transportation, food for mourners, tents, and other essential preparations that ensured a dignified farewell for the fallen leader.

In collaboration with the National Assembly, the County Government under Governor Guyo’s leadership helped secure an honorable send-off befitting a national legislator. This partnership did more than honor the deceased, it became a powerful joint statement of unity, signaling the end of a political rift that had unsettled the region in recent months. For the communities of Isiolo, the burial was not only a moment of mourning but also a gesture of healing, restoring trust and reinforcing intercommunal harmony.

In navigating this delicate moment, Governor Abdi Guyo demonstrated what true leadership looks like within the moral boundaries of Islamic values: forgiveness, humility, and decency. His actions affirmed that peace is not merely preached, it is practiced. In honoring his former rival with respect and compassion, he set an example for the region, proving himself a pilot of peace and a steward of reconciliation.

In the end, the loss of Hon. Mohamed Tupi Bidu became a turning point for Isiolo, reminding its people that humanity surpasses politics, and that in mourning together, communities rediscover the bonds that hold them as one.

Once a quiet colonial outpost meant to house Somali milkers and horse attendants, Eastleigh has risen from obscurity to become one of Africa’s most vibrant commercial powerhouses. Today, this once-forgotten estate is the nerve center of trade linking Kenya not just to East and Central Africa, but to China, the Emirates, and the broader Arab world.

From its bustling streets to its glittering skyline of glass and steel, Eastleigh tells a story of transformation driven entirely by its people. The neighborhood has long outgrown and outperformed Nairobi’s Central Business District—what most still call “the City.” Every day, more than two million people stream into Eastleigh for business, work, or trade. The sheer scale of human activity here dwarfs that of the official city center.

Local entrepreneurs have built skyscrapers where colonial bungalows once stood, establishing multi-billion-shilling enterprises that keep the Kenyan economy alive. In fact, Eastleigh is the country’s second-largest revenue generator after the Port of Mombasa. Yet, the state of its infrastructure tells a completely different story, one of neglect, frustration, and quiet resilience.

The roads are the same narrow, potholed lanes laid out by colonial planners a century ago. The sewer lines are just as old, struggling under the weight of millions. Only water has seen some form of “development”, private boreholes drilled by building owners. But even that has turned into a silent crisis: with so many boreholes sunk close to each other, water tables are drying up, threatening the stability of the towering buildings that define Eastleigh’s skyline.

Despite its economic might, Eastleigh remains Nairobi’s most neglected commercial district. Successive governments have looked away, leaving its residents to battle traffic gridlocks, unreliable drainage, and choking congestion. Taxi drivers routinely cancel trips to Eastleigh, and those who dare to go in often demand extra fare, citing the chaos and hours lost in traffic.

*The question that lingers is: why?*

For many residents, the neglect feels deliberate, a continuation of the marginalization that has long shadowed communities from Northern Kenya and the Somali population in particular. To them, Eastleigh’s story mirrors their broader experience in the Kenyan state: hardworking, self-reliant citizens building prosperity despite being sidelined by the political establishment.

And yet, in the face of indifference, Eastleigh thrives. Its people have turned a colonial relic into a modern-day Dubai of the Horn of Africa. Its markets are packed with goods from Guangzhou and Dubai, its streets buzz with traders speaking Swahili, Arabic, Amharic, and Somali. Deals are struck over cups of spiced tea, fortunes are made in tiny stalls, and global supply chains converge in its narrow lanes.

Still, for all its success, Eastleigh is a paradox: a shining example of entrepreneurship weighed down by decades of governmental disregard. The hub that sustains Kenya’s economy remains trapped in crumbling colonial infrastructure.

If the government ever hopes to build a truly inclusive economy, it must start by acknowledging what Eastleigh already is; a self-made city within a city, the beating heart of Nairobi, and proof that neglect cannot crush ambition.

As Kenya and Africa celebrate the life and legacy of a true democrat, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, the nation reflects on a man whose sacrifices and courage reshaped our destiny. A patriot of global stature, the kingpin of Kenya’s second liberation, and the father of the 2010 Constitution, Raila stands as a symbol of resilience, justice, and unity. His life’s work embodies the dream of a fair and inclusive Kenya, a dream that transcends tribe, region, and privilege.

Yet, in this moment of reflection, voices like that of Mutahi Kahiga emerge, mocking and tainting the solemnity of national memory with narrow, divisive sentiments. His celebration of death and claim that development in Nyanza was a favor born of “good blood” between Raila and Ruto exposes a deeper sickness, the belief that Kenya belongs more to some regions than others. This thinking, echoed by leaders like Rigathi Gachagua, insults the spirit of our republic and the equality for which heroes bled.

Such utterances are not mere political missteps; they are betrayals of the nation’s moral fabric. They resurrect the ghost of tribal dominance, a “black colony” that has long haunted post-independence Kenya, proving even more oppressive than the white colonialists we overthrew.

In this light, the moment calls for unity and defiance. Let Kenyans reject the retrogressive ideals of the so-called Mount Kenya mafia. Let the rest of the nation stand shoulder to shoulder, not in hatred, but in defense of equality and national dignity.

If only to repudiate the notion that some regions are “more Kenya” than others, perhaps President Ruto’s re-election would serve as a symbolic rebuke, a reminder that Kenya is one indivisible nation, built not on privilege, but on justice and shared destiny.

Ngaremara’s Mashujaa Day was no ordinary celebration, it was a day of reckoning, a day when the people of Isiolo rose to affirm their unwavering love for a leader whose bond with them has proven unshakeable, unbreakable. Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Abdi Guyo or Guyo Kayole, stood not merely as a political figure, but as a true “Shujaa”, a hero of his people.

Only a few months earlier, the Governor had faced an orchestrated impeachment attempt, born of envy and political malice. Fueled by rival politicians and facilitated by a compromised Speaker, the ill-fated scheme sought to destabilize a leader whose only “crime” was his deep connection to the grassroots. Yet, like many baseless conspiracies, it collapsed under the weight of its own deceit, dismissed at the Senate with the contempt it deserved.

What followed was a public show of solidarity rarely witnessed in this part of Kenya. On his return to Isiolo only two months after the conspiracy was initially hatched, Governor Guyo was welcomed by an ecstatic crowd of over five thousand supporters, walking and singing in unity for nearly eight kilometers as the Governor’s convoy tiptoed with the walking crowd for hours on end.
Then came Mashujaa Day at Ngaremara, one month later  where more than ten thousand residents from every corner of Isiolo County, from the Boran to the Meru, from the Turkana to the Somali, from the Samburu to the Sakuye, and the entire fouty plus Isiolo clans, all gathered in jubilant harmony over twenty kilometers from Isiolo CBD without any formal transport arrangements as some walked, others rode on Bodsboda while Matatus were overwhelmed, forcing the costs doubled as the town flocked in massive numbers to celebrate a rare Leadership that won hearts and minds.

It was a powerful testament that no amount of political scheming can erode genuine love. The people’s voice rang louder than the whispers of hate, their unity drowning out all attempts at division.

Ngaremara’s celebration was, therefore, not just a national holiday, it was a thanksgiving. A collective asante to a Governor whose leadership has transcended clan lines, and a statement to the nation that Isiolo stands firmly behind its Shujaa.

Ngaremara Grounds was transformed into a scene of pomp and celebration as Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo was showered with resounding praise for his remarkable achievements over two and a half years in office. The atmosphere was charged with jubilation as the entire Turkana leadership, from the Deputy Governor to the Ngaremara and Burat MCAs, joined in collective commendation of the Governor’s transformative leadership.

Hon. Peter Losu captured the mood of the day, declaring that the development milestones realized under Governor Guyo’s administration had far surpassed those of the previous two regimes combined. He further affirmed that past political rifts had been healed, promising even greater electoral support for the Governor in future polls.

In a moment of solemn reflection, Governor Guyo led the gathering in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister who was laid to rest in Bondo. He lauded Raila’s immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and heroes of the nation’s second liberation.

Recounting his government’s progress, in Water, Health, Education, Food Security and Infrastructure, Governor Guyo extended an olive branch to Senator Fatuma Dulo, urging unity and collaboration among all leaders to ensure effective service delivery. He also called for prayers for Isiolo South MP Hon. Mohamed Tupu, who is currently unwell, and encouraged him to join hands in the collective mission to uplift the county.

The Governor praised Isiolo North MP Hon. Samal and County MP Hon. Mumina Golo for their steadfast partnership in advancing the region’s development agenda. He further highlighted national milestones under President William Ruto, including the issuance of over 10,000 title deeds in the past three years, with more expected by December.

Governor Guyo announced the imminent operationalization of the Isiolo Slaughterhouse, as the institution that will operate the Abbatoir have already been identified, (since the County lacks capacity to run it), which is projected to significantly boost the region’s economy through employment and trade opportunities. He also shared that the Bulapesa tarmac road will soon be officially opened by the President, as well as the issuance of more Title Deeds, marking yet another chains of strides in Isiolo’s overall development.

The Governor noted that it’s under President Ruto that Isiolo so far witnessed the acquisition of over ten thousand Title Deeds and expect thousands more by December.

As the event drew to a close, the Governor rallied the crowd to affirm their support for President Ruto’s second term, a call that was met with thunderous chants of “Two terms!” echoing across Ngaremara Grounds. The day ended not only as a celebration of progress but also as a powerful symbol of unity, renewal, and shared vision for Isiolo’s brighter future.