Section of Isiolo residents oppose plans to oust Governor Guyo

Merti, Cherab residents slam MCAs over impeachment plans of Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, cite lack of valid reasons/HANDOUT

A section of Isiolo County residents has come out strongly to oppose plans by some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to impeach Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.

The residents are accusing the County Assembly leadership of political bias and allowing external influence.

The residents voiced their concerns during a public participation forum convened to gather citizen input on the motion to remove the governor from office.

Participants drawn from all 10 wards of Isiolo criticised the assembly's leadership for allegedly taking sides instead of acting impartially, as mandated by the Constitution.

Ibrahim Wako, a local activist, described the impeachment attempt as “ill-informed” and politically driven.

“The leadership of the assembly has openly taken sides instead of exercising neutrality as the Constitution demands,” Wako said, suggesting that politicians from neighbouring counties were meddling in Isiolo's internal affairs.

Ali Kuno, a resident of Bulapesa Ward, echoed the sentiments and urged youth across the county to uphold peace amid the political turmoil. He warned politicians from Marsabit and Mandera counties to refrain from interfering in Isiolo's governance issues.

“Let the people of Isiolo decide their own destiny without external pressure,” Kuno said.

Residents also issued a stern warning to their MCAs, cautioning that they would initiate recall processes if the ward representatives continued to pursue the impeachment motion contrary to the will of the electorate.

On the other hand, proponents of Governor Guyo’s removal argued that they were exercising their constitutional right and urged the police to provide security to all parties involved in the ongoing process to ensure a fair and peaceful outcome.

Guyo, who has recently faced growing tensions with the County Assembly, has remained calm and conciliatory. Speaking at a recent public rally, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with the MCAs to resolve their differences.

“These are good people, and they mean well for Isiolo. It’s just that some external forces may have incited them,” Guyo said, expressing confidence that dialogue could lead to a resolution that prioritizes development and unity.