By The Weekly Vision Staff
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo narrowly escaped impeachment yesterday following a dramatic Senate session, where the chamber voted 31 to 12 to dismiss the case against him, citing procedural flaws in the Isiolo County Assembly’s process. The decision marks a significant victory for the embattled governor, who faced allegations of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and misconduct.
The impeachment saga, which gripped Isiolo and drew national attention, began when 16 out of 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted on 26 June 2025 to oust Guyo, accusing him of appointing 36 advisors and 31 chief officers in a county with only six departments, failing to deliver annual State of the County addresses, and making derogatory remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo. The charges, which included violations of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, painted a picture of a governor embroiled in mismanagement and political wrangles.
However, Governor Guyo’s legal team, led by Eric Theuri, Elisha Ongoya, and Elias Mutuma, mounted a robust defence, arguing that the County Assembly’s impeachment process was fundamentally flawed. They challenged the authenticity of the Hansard, claiming it was “doctored” and lacked certification by the County Assembly Clerk. Theuri described the impeachment as a “phantom process,” while Ongoya cited a Meru High Court ruling on 27 June 2025, which had declared the impeachment motion null and void due to a breach of conservatory orders issued on 25 June.
The Senate, after intense legal arguments, upheld the preliminary objections, with Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot emphasising the need for procedural compliance to safeguard devolution and the rule of law. “This House must insist on constitutional integrity,” Cheruiyot stated, a sentiment echoed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who warned against ignoring court orders. However, Mandera Senator Ali Roba argued for a full hearing to ensure justice for all parties, highlighting the case’s broader implications for Isiolo’s governance.
The impeachment proceedings were not without controversy. The County Assembly’s legal team, led by Paul Nyamodi, insisted that the process was time-bound and should proceed, arguing that halting it would prejudice the Assembly’s case. They presented evidence, including affidavits from four MCAs and two residents, to support claims of mismanagement and misconduct. Yet, the Senate’s decision to prioritise legal technicalities over a full trial has sparked debate about whether justice was served or sidestepped.
Governor Guyo, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, hailed the Senate’s ruling as a “triumph for truth” in a statement on X, vowing to refocus on delivering development and fostering unity in Isiolo. “This resolution is a powerful statement in defence of justice and the will of Isiolo’s people,” he declared. However, the governor now faces the daunting task of mending ties with a fractious County Assembly and addressing the underlying political and clan rivalries that fuelled the impeachment bid.
The case has also exposed deeper tensions in Isiolo’s political landscape. Investigations reveal that regional power struggles and clan politics, particularly between Guyo and Senator Dullo, who both hail from the same clan, played a significant role. Speculation that Dullo may contest the governorship in 2027 has added intrigue, with some viewing the impeachment as an attempt to curb Guyo’s growing influence in Northern Kenya’s political order.
For Isiolo residents, the outcome is bittersweet. While some celebrated the initial impeachment motion, others, including business leaders like Mwenda Thuranira, called for the Senate to uphold devolution’s principles. “This is about restoring confidence in grassroots governance,” Thuranira noted, reflecting widespread frustration with stalled services.
As the dust settles, Governor Guyo remains in office, but the episode underscores the fragility of devolved governance in Kenya. The Senate’s decision, while a reprieve for Guyo, leaves unresolved questions about accountability and the balance of power in Isiolo, setting the stage for continued political drama as the 2027 elections loom.
