Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has narrowly dodged impeachment after the Senate voted on Tuesday to uphold his objections to a motion passed by the County Assembly. The decision gives Guyo a temporary reprieve, but it also highlights growing fractures in Isiolo’s county leadership.
The embattled governor questioned the legality of two County Assembly sittings held on June 18 and June 26 during which the impeachment motion was debated and approved. He argued the sessions were irregular, and the Senate agreed.
In a decisive vote, 31 Senators backed the governor’s objection while 12 voted to support the Assembly’s case. This outcome allows Guyo to keep his seat for now.
However, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi delivered a stern warning, cautioning the governor against interpreting the verdict as an outright victory. “This is not a win,” Kingi said. “It’s a postponement. How you handle yourself from this point forward will determine whether this matter stays buried or returns to this House.”
Kingi urged Guyo to initiate dialogue with aggrieved members of the County Assembly and his own Senator, noting the deepening discord within Isiolo’s leadership. “If I were you, I’d go mend those cracks,” he advised.
Governor Guyo’s administration has been under intense scrutiny. The County Assembly accused him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and multiple violations of the law and constitution.
Among the claims were stalling of key development projects, missing revenue targets, and expanding the executive branch beyond reasonable limits. Notably, Guyo appointed 36 advisors and 31 chief officers a controversial move in a county that ranks among the lowest in national revenue allocations.
Further criticism came over his issuance of two-year contracts to chief officers, a decision the Assembly said fostered an atmosphere of insecurity and political patronage in public service.
Even more contentious was the fact that the Assembly pushed ahead with the impeachment proceedings despite an existing court order halting the process.
While Tuesday’s Senate ruling keeps Governor Guyo in office, the bigger issue a fractured, mistrustful county government remains unresolved. Whether the governor can mend relations and restore order in Isiolo’s political ranks will likely determine his long-term survival.
