The Gargar traditional dancers on Monday donned Jubilee Party lessos and used a song sang in Somali to criticise Governor Nathif Jama and the county government for abetting corruption.
Agitated Jama supporters at the dais and in the crowd tried to forcibly remove the group from the arena during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, but the dancers stood their ground even after the public address systems were quickly switched off.
The visibly restless Jama could be seen consulting with county commissioner James Kianda.
Chiefs save the celebration from turning ugly by evicting the dancers as the crowd cheered and booed them in equal measure. The celebrations then went on uninterrupted.
Leaders who attended the fete condemned the use of idioms to "insult" the county government.
After delivering his speech, Jama said some leaders are misusing the public and inciting them ahead of next year's polls.
"It's unfortunate that some leaders are stooping this low. The national government has the necessary security agencies to deal with such issues. The law must be applied with equal measure," he said.
Garissa is composed of "a delicate society driven by clan-based politics" and such incitement can easily lead to conflict, the governor said.
Jama urged the county commissioner to ensure the area is not plunged into violence during and after next year's general election.
"This the only place we call home and we have no other place to run to," he said.
Kianda said government security agents are on high alert and will decisively deal with any politician out to cause disharmony.
Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation Garissa chairperson Qureisha Mohamed said women are known to be peaceful and urged them to maintain peace during elections.
She asked residents not to fall into the trap of self-seeking politicians to cause chaos.
Garissa youth leader Hussein Salat, Muslim and Christian clerics in the area said they will not let peace in the area be compromised.
