Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and his deputy, James Lowasa, appear to be on the verge of parting ways as tensions between the two continue to escalate. Governor Guyo, who is facing allegations of mismanagement and corruption, has reportedly shifted some of the blame onto his deputy.
Last week, Governor Guyo made a significant reshuffle, reassigning Lowasa from the influential health portfolio to the education, youth, and sports sectors. Sources suggest that Guyo believes Lowasa has underperformed in his previous role, despite being a trained medical doctor.
Guyo’s decision to move his deputy is said to have been influenced by reports from close associates, who claim that Lowasa has been undermining him. Many of the audit queries the governor is grappling with stem from the health sector, further fueling suspicions about Lowasa’s role.
The reshuffle comes at a time when healthcare services in Isiolo County are in crisis. Clinicians, nurses, and laboratory technologists have been on strike since October 9, 2024, paralyzing operations at public health facilities, including the Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital. The strike has left thousands of residents without access to critical medical care, with some families resorting to turning their homes into makeshift intensive care units.
The health crisis in Isiolo has reached alarming levels, with community members expressing frustration over the county government’s failure to engage in meaningful negotiations with the striking healthcare workers, who have gone months without pay.
Amid the worsening situation, there is growing momentum for the removal of both Guyo and Lowasa from office. Calls for the dissolution of the Isiolo County Government and fresh elections are intensifying. Several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against both leaders. However, Guyo’s considerable financial resources are believed to have helped him quell opposition from the MCAs.
The Senate has also weighed in, encouraging Isiolo MCAs to move forward with the impeachment process. Recently, a Senate committee issued a warrant for Governor Guyo’s arrest after he failed to comply with a committee summons. The summons were in connection to questions raised by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo regarding recruitment and employment practices in the county. Yesterday, Senate Speaker Amoson Kingi ordered the Police IG to arrest the governor and present him before the Senate.
