Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo
Deep-rooted regional supremacy battles and clan politics are at the heart of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo’s impeachment, ahead of a crucial Senate hearing, details now reveal.
The Senate is set to commence a two-day marathon session tomorrow to deliberate on Guyo’s case, amid reports of divisions among senators over the fate of the embattled county boss.
The governor is facing three broad charges: gross violation of the constitution and other laws, abuse of office and gross misconduct.
The Star has established an intense political struggle for control of the Northern region, with some key players viewing Guyo as an 'outsider' – threatening to disrupt the traditional political order.
In the run-up to the 2022 general election, President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, dominated the regional political scene.
Guyo, who started his political career as a Nairobi MCA, made history as the first ward representative to rise to the governor's office.
He was also the only governor elected under the Jubilee Party in 2022.
However, since the election, Guyo has pledged allegiance to Ruto’s UDA and has actively supported the President’s efforts to consolidate support in the region — a move that has ruffled feathers among key political stakeholders, particularly within UDM.
“This is all about political supremacy. The governor moved to UDA and is now one of its main champions in the region — but some leaders aren’t happy about that,” an Isiolo MP told the Star.
UDM has established a strong political footprint in the region, securing governorships in Marsabit and Mandera, as well as Senate seats in Wajir and Mandera.
The party also holds multiple MP and MCA positions.
Beyond party politics, clan dynamics are further complicating the situation. Clan affiliations have long shaped the political landscape in Isiolo and neighbouring counties.
Notably, both Guyo and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo hail from the same clan.
While Guyo is keen to defend his seat — assuming he survives the impeachment — Dullo is reportedly eyeing the governorship in the next election, setting the stage for a potentially fierce intra-clan rivalry.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has gazetted Tuesday and Wednesday for the impeachment proceedings.
Interviews conducted by the Star indicate that senators are sharply divided, with Guyo’s fate hanging in the balance.
The Senate will be deliberating a motion passed by 16 out of 18 Isiolo MCAs, who voted to impeach the governor.
This was despite a court order temporarily barring the county assembly from proceeding with the motion until a case filed by Guyo is heard and determined.
Guyo’s legal team is expected to raise the assembly’s defiance of the court order as part of their preliminary objections before the main hearing begins.
On Tuesday, the Senate clerk will read the charges before the governor is invited to plead guilty or not. Following this, both sides may present preliminary objections.
Once these are dealt with, the floor will be opened for opening statements.
The county assembly will then present its case against the governor, with three hours allocated for presentation and cross-examination.
Senators will also have the opportunity to question the MCAs.
Later, the governor will take the stand to defend himself against the charges, with time set aside for rebuttals and further questions from senators.
After the hearings, the Senate will debate the impeachment motion. To uphold Guyo’s removal, at least 24 of the 47 elected senators — sitting as county delegations — must vote in favour.
The governor assumed office in August 2022, succeeding Mohammed Kuti, who retired from politics due to health concerns and endorsed Guyo as his successor.
The former Matopeni MCA and Nairobi county assembly majority leader, Guyo began his political journey as a councillor before the advent of devolution.
He was re-elected in 2013 on a TNA ticket and served as minority leader in the Nairobi assembly.
During his 2022 campaign, Guyo promised transformative leadership focused on unity, security and development.
He pledged to work closely with the national government to enhance service delivery in Isiolo – a cosmopolitan and often marginalised county.
Data from the county government highlights some of his administration’s achievements.
They include drilling 68 boreholes across the county, constructing over 50 Early Childhood Development Education classrooms and distributing over 2,000 title deeds to residents.
Others are overseeing the completion of the multi-billion-shilling Isiolo abattoir to boost employment and livestock markets and constructing an accident and emergency unit at Isiolo County Referral Hospital.
