Guyo holds rally to unite Isiolo after failed ouster bid

Isiolo political leaders have appealed for peace and tolerance even as Governor Abdi Guyo, fresh from surviving an impeachment bid, staged a massive rally to demonstrate his authority and rally the county behind him.

 On Thursday, Guyo led the Isiolo Pamoja rally in Isiolo town, flanked by a host of county leaders in a show of political strength and unity.

 “The reason I did not hold a rally immediately after the impeachment was because the Senate Speaker advised me against polarising the county. But today I am here to say Isiolo is united,” Guyo said.

 Among those present were Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, Deputy Governor James Lowasa, Speaker Abdullahi Banticha, former Governor Godana Doyo, former MP Abdi Koropu, 12 MCAs and other senior figures.

 The leaders delivered a common message of peace, reconciliation and unity, vowing that Isiolo would not be divided along ethnic or political lines.

 Elders from different communities went further, assuring Guyo of re-election, citing his development record as a basis for continuity.

 Guyo, who insisted he bore no grudges against those involved in the failed impeachment, dismissed claims that works had stalled in Isiolo in the wake of the political turmoil.

 The county boss said his government has continued to work. He listed projects including drilling of 68 boreholes, the latest in Modogashe and construction of three ECDE classrooms in every ward.

 The county has also completed the construction of a new accident and emergency wing at Isiolo Referral Hospital, as well as the Isiolo abattoir, first initiated in 2009.

 Guyo’s administration has issued bursaries worth Sh70 million and is tarmacking roads, including a two-kilometre stretch in Bulapesa.

 The county has constructed and equipped seven dispensaries, employed 60 nurses and 60 clinical officers, is processing 10,000 title deeds and installing streetlights across the county.

 “Even if they hate me, they should be fair. Work is going on in Isiolo. Let them look for another excuse,” he said.

 The governor urged all leaders to join him in prioritising service delivery during his remaining term.

 Guyo’s political standing received a boost after 12 of the 16 MCAs who had supported his impeachment crossed over to his side, leaving his opponents with only six.

 “I want to thank our MCAs. They have taken a firm position to ensure Isiolo moves ahead. I want to ask all those leaders with different opinions, come we sit down and discuss how to take Isiolo forward,” Guyo said.

 With their support, Speaker Banticha now commands the majority, while rival Mohamed Roba retains just six MCAs in the 18-member assembly.

 Analysts say this could resolve the impasse that had seen two rival county assemblies operating simultaneously.

 Former governor Doyo, who lost to Guyo in 2022, also pledged support, noting that Isiolo’s first and second governors now stand behind the third to ensure stability and service delivery.

 Mumina Bonaya added that Isiolo residents had already lost two months to unnecessary political wrangles and must now focus on development until the 2027 elections.

 The leaders also rallied behind President William Ruto, praising him for delivering development to Isiolo and the larger Northern Kenya region.

 Meanwhile, authorities have initiated peace talks to calm rising tensions in Kom Durte, a vital grazing area at the Isiolo–Marsabit–Samburu border.

 The Kom Triangle, now hosting an estimated 10,000 cattle, is the only dry-season grazing area with sufficient pasture and water. However, livestock thefts and insecurity have heightened fears of violence.

 Meetings brought together subcounty commissioners, security teams, political leaders, elders, morans, women and peace committees from the three counties, with support from the Frontier Counties Development Council , IMPACT, NDMA, and donor-funded rangelands programmes.

 Merti Peace chairman Mohamed Abduba said residents had been living in fear after sightings of armed youths escorting herds.

 Deputy county commissioner Michael Kioni urged elders to rein in the youths, warning that stolen animals must be returned before bylaws on grazing can be signed.

 Preliminary agreements include returning stolen livestock, regulating herder movements under chiefs’ supervision and forming committees to draft binding grazing bylaws.

 “We must prepare for worsening drought. With formal structures in place, county governments and partners can provide support such as livestock pellets to reduce losses,” said IMPACT’s Terresa Yenae.

 Warso MCA Kelvin Lemantang urged firm action against armed morans intimidating travelers and called for the recovery of stolen livestock.

 Authorities also pledged tighter patrols, crackdowns on illegal firearms and stronger early-warning systems to prevent banditry and clashes.

 Going forward, Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit peace committees will be expected to share information in real time to enable swift responses and prevent conflict.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

 Recently, the Senate rejected an attempt by the MCAs to impeach the governor on a technicality. The failed ouster attempt has triggered a political storm in the county, with various leaders clashing. However, Guyo has moved to reaffirm his authority and pacify the ground to reduce the political tensions. Several leaders have since moved to his wing, boosting his political fortunes.