Senators have issued a warrant of arrest for Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo after he failed to appear before them to address key queries. The Senate Labor Committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, became the second house team to issue a warrant against Guyo, following a similar action by the Health Committee. Although a previous warrant had been blocked by a court order, this time Guyo faces a Ksh 500,000 fine for repeatedly ignoring Senate summons.
The labour committee, which sought to question Guyo on the recruitment and employment matters raised by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, expressed frustration over his refusal to cooperate. As a result, they not only imposed a fine but also called on the Isiolo County Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor. Senator Murgor stated: “We have resolved that the Governor should personally pay the Ksh 500,000 fine and be arrested to appear before the committee.”
Embu Senator Alexander Mudigi supported this action, arguing that Guyo should be arrested and brought to the Senate by force. Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba echoed these sentiments, questioning why the Isiolo MCAs had not yet initiated impeachment: “If the Senate cannot get the governor to appear, how can we trust that he is safeguarding his people? We must issue a warrant of arrest.”
Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki also criticized Governor Guyo, describing him as notorious for disregarding multiple Senate committee summons. He noted that Guyo had recently refused to attend a session with the Senate Finance Committee as well.
The arrest warrant comes amid a notice of motion filed by Senator Dullo, seeking to discuss the governor’s conduct, with a threat to halt the county’s resource allocation until Guyo complies with Senate requests. The motion reads: “Pursuant to Article 228 (4) and (5) of the Constitution, the Controller of Budget should not authorize any withdrawal of public funds by the County Government of Isiolo until the Governor has responded to the issues raised to the Senate’s satisfaction.”
Governor Guyo, however, dismissed the Senate’s actions as a political witch hunt, stating: “I have already submitted my written responses to Senator Dullo’s questions. If more details are needed, I will provide them in writing. I will not, however, appear in person, as this is a political agenda.”
The arrest warrant will be prepared by the Senate Clerk and signed by Senator Murgor, after which it will be presented to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions for enforcement. Under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, individuals who ignore parliamentary summons can face a fine of up to Ksh 500,000, six months in jail, or both.
