By Betty Luke
A group of actors, musicians and acrobats from Isiolo has decried neglect by the county government and accused Governor Mohammed Kuti of unfulfilled promises.
The group, under Isiolo County Artists Association, claim that months after they presented a proposal requesting the county to help them establish a recording studio nothing has been done despite the officials promising to assist them.
They said the Governor and County Secretary Dr Ahmed Galgalo previously promised to assist them.
According to their Chairperson Mr Mohammed Abdi popularly known as Heavy D, the studio would help reduce the burden of travelling to Nairobi to produce their music and artistic materials.
“We are registered artists who should be receiving support from the leaders but unfortunately nothing is happening. We do not want handouts but a studio to enable us earn a livelihood,” Mr Abdi told journalists in Isiolo town.
Mr Michael Iyanae, another artist, said it was unfortunate that the society continued to label youths as criminals while the county government could not offer them jobs.
“We have academic papers but there are no jobs and that is why we came together to use our talents for a living but no one is supporting us. Must we shout so that our leaders can listen to us?” the seemingly irritated Iyanae posed.
His sentiments were echoed by Ms Sarah Lapana, an actor, who said that despite several attempts to reach out to the leaders, their efforts had proven futile as they were being blocked at the county offices including that of the County Secretary.
“For us to access the offices, we have to use force and when you are lucky to be allowed in, there is no one to listen to you. In order to get a job or support in the county, you must come from some specific tribes,” she claimed.
Youth leader Noor Juma appealed to other elected leaders to chip and help the young people grow their talents and earn income to keep them off crime and drug abuse.
