By Correspondent
Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo is facing mounting political pressure and the looming threat of impeachment, less than two years into his term. What began as a celebrated victory under the Jubilee Party banner has quickly spiralled into controversy, allegations of corruption, and widespread discontent within the County Assembly.
Governor Guyo, who previously served as the Majority Leader in the Nairobi County Assembly, shifted his political base to Isiolo ahead of the last general election. His resounding win was initially seen as a fresh start for the county. However, even before the dust of the election could settle, a rebellion was brewing.
A section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) began raising concerns over alleged corruption and administrative misconduct. The tension has since culminated in the formal submission of a motion seeking Governor Guyo’s removal from office. The motion, presented by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, has garnered near-unanimous support with 18 MCAs endorsing it. Significantly, some of the signatories were previously considered allies of the governor.
The motion, seconded by Chari MCA Meja Golicha, was submitted on Monday, 9th June and is scheduled for debate on Tuesday, 17th June. It accuses the governor of gross misconduct, misuse of public resources, and irregular appointments in contravention of legal hiring provisions.
The controversy around Governor Guyo’s administration is not new. Allegations of irregular hiring practices surfaced as early as 2024, drawing the attention of national oversight agencies. The Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, has taken particular issue with the governor’s appointment of 36 advisors, far exceeding the legally permitted number of four. The Committee has labelled this as an egregious waste of public resources.
In addition, the governor is alleged to have appointed two Deputy County Secretaries in breach of county staffing laws.
Governor Guyo’s leadership has further come under scrutiny following his failure to honour two invitations from the Senate Standing Committee on Health, where he was expected to address pressing matters affecting Isiolo’s healthcare system.
Public dissatisfaction intensified after Governor Guyo’s controversial remarks during Madaraka Day celebrations. In an unexpected outburst, he accused Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo of extravagant spending and went on to question her relationships. The comments have sparked backlash, with critics decrying them as unbecoming of a county leader.
The unfolding events have cast a long shadow over Governor Guyo’s administration, with the impeachment motion likely to determine his political future. As the County Assembly prepares to debate the motion, the residents of Isiolo, and the country at large, are watching keenly.