Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has been impeached following a dramatic and deeply divisive political showdown in the Isiolo County Assembly. The impeachment, which occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, was passed by an overwhelming 16 out of 18 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who supported the motion, citing gross misconduct, irregular hiring practices, and persistent failure to honor national oversight obligations.
The impeachment marks a significant turning point for Isiolo County, which has experienced months of political tension and governance paralysis under Guyo’s leadership. The move comes barely two weeks after the motion to impeach Governor Guyo was officially filed, setting off a wave of public reaction and legal confrontations.
Public Participation Split, Speaker Accused of Bias
Ahead of the final vote, residents of Isiolo took part in a public participation exercise, as mandated by the Kenyan Constitution. The event revealed deep divisions within the county’s electorate.
Those opposing the impeachment voiced concerns that the motion was politically motivated and orchestrated by Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba, who was accused of manipulating MCAs and applying pressure to secure the vote.
“This is not about accountability anymore. It’s a power play,” said one resident during the forum. “If our leaders won’t remain impartial, we will recall them.”
On the other hand, pro-impeachment voices emphasized the need for leadership change, arguing that Governor Guyo’s tenure had been “marred by wrangles, poor service delivery, and administrative chaos.” Supporters of the motion said the governor’s ouster offered a chance for a fresh start for Isiolo County.
A Tenure Marred by Wrangles and Oversight Failures
Governor Guyo’s administration has been in the spotlight for several governance failures, dating back to 2024. His leadership has faced sharp criticism from both the public and national oversight agencies.
A notable flashpoint came on June 10, when Guyo was summoned to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Health to address poor health infrastructure and mismanagement of medical resources in Isiolo. He failed to honor two invitations, drawing the ire of the committee and raising questions about his accountability to national institutions.
In addition, the governor came under scrutiny for irregular hiring in Isiolo County. A Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) audit flagged his administration for employing 36 personal advisors, far exceeding the legal limit of four.
“This is a blatant misuse of public funds and a violation of employment laws,” said Senator Moses Kajwang, Chair of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee. “The county has no legal or budgetary justification for these hires.”
The committee characterized the hiring as “a massive wastage of public resources,” further fueling the case for impeachment.
Legal Battles and Political Drama Unfold
The impeachment process was not without resistance. Once the motion was tabled, Guyo’s allies went to court seeking an injunction. On June 20, the High Court temporarily halted the proceedings, citing the need to evaluate whether the motion followed due process.
Despite the legal roadblock, the County Assembly reconvened after the court lifted the interim orders, paving the way for the decisive vote.
Tensions further escalated when Speaker Mohamed Roba was arrested on Monday, June 23, on undisclosed charges. He was later released on bond and claimed the arrest was politically motivated.
“This was a tactic by Governor Guyo to derail the impeachment proceedings,” Roba alleged in a press conference after his release. “But justice has prevailed.”
The Assembly session on Thursday almost failed to take place due to the legal and political turmoil, but eventually proceeded, culminating in Guyo’s removal from office.
Concerns About MCAs’ Safety and Threats of Intimidation
Throughout the two-week process, several MCAs who supported the motion reported feeling unsafe, with allegations of intimidation and threats from individuals believed to be close to the governor.
At least three MCAs claimed they had been followed or received anonymous warnings, prompting calls for increased security from the National Police Service.
Human rights organizations and governance watchdogs have condemned the threats, urging authorities to protect elected officials from coercion.What Happens Next: Legal Avenues and Political Implications
Although Governor Abdi Guyo has been officially impeached by the County Assembly, the matter is far from over. The Kenyan Constitution provides a clear legal path for an impeached county boss to contest the decision.
Under Article 181 of the Constitution of Kenya and the County Governments Act, a governor has the right to challenge an impeachment in court if there’s credible evidence that due process was not followed or that the vote was politically influenced.
If the courts find the process unconstitutional, Guyo could be reinstated. However, if the courts uphold the impeachment, the Isiolo Deputy Governor will assume office in an acting capacity until a by-election or full confirmation is conducted, depending on the court’s final ruling.
Broader Implications for Devolution and Accountability
The Isiolo Governor’s impeachment is yet another reminder of the growing demand for accountability and transparency in devolved units of government in Kenya. Since the introduction of devolution in the 2010 Constitution, counties have had greater autonomy — but also face increasing scrutiny over misuse of funds, service delivery, and ethical governance.
Political analysts say the situation in Isiolo will be a test case for how Kenya manages governance crises at the county level, especially when national oversight committees and local political dynamics clash.
“This is a chance for Kenya to show that county leadership is not immune to accountability,” said political analyst Ruth Ndirangu. “Impeachment is a constitutional tool, not a political weapon.”
Governor Abdi Guyo’s impeachment is a historic moment for Isiolo County. While some see it as a political witch-hunt, others believe it is a necessary step toward restoring order and ensuring leaders are held to account. As legal battles unfold and the county braces for a potential leadership vacuum, Isiolo’s future now hangs in the balance.
Whether the courts uphold the impeachment or reverse it, this episode underscores the urgent need for professionalism, transparency, and respect for due process in county governance in Kenya.