Abdi Guyo impeachment proceedings concluded on June 26, 2025, with the Isiolo County Assembly voting decisively to oust the embattled governor. The motion, filed barely two weeks earlier, was supported by 16 out of 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), signaling strong legislative consensus amid allegations of misconduct, poor leadership, and resource mismanagement.
Grounds for Impeachment: Misconduct and Resource Mismanagement
Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration has been riddled with controversy since 2024, primarily over issues of transparency and accountability. Specific allegations cited in the impeachment motion include:
- Failure to appear before Senate committees, particularly the Senate Standing Committee on Health, despite two invitations in June 2025
- Irregular hiring of 36 personal advisors, despite legal provisions allowing only four
- Escalating tension with national oversight bodies, especially regarding financial reporting and project implementation
The Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang, flagged Guyo’s hiring practices as “gross misuse of public funds”, noting that the advisory team had no clear deliverables and duplicated existing county functions.
Public Opinion Split During Participation Forums
As the vote approached, members of the public participated in constitutionally mandated forums to express their views. The public was sharply divided:
- Opponents of the impeachment criticized Speaker Mohamed Roba, alleging he pressured MCAs and politicized the process. Some citizens even threatened to recall MPs who appeared biased.
- Supporters of the impeachment accused Guyo of fostering an administration filled with wrangles, stalled projects, and public distrust, calling for a complete leadership overhaul in Isiolo.
Political Turmoil and Legal Challenges
The impeachment drama played out against a backdrop of political instability. As soon as the motion gained momentum, internal county divisions intensified. Several MCAs backing the motion reported threats to their safety, raising concerns over the atmosphere in Isiolo’s political circles.
The High Court temporarily halted proceedings at one point, pending a constitutional review of the process. However, the County Assembly reconvened on June 26 following the release of Speaker Roba, who had been arrested earlier in the week. Roba claimed the arrest was politically motivated, blaming Governor Guyo for an attempt to sabotage the process.
What’s Next for Abdi Guyo?
According to Kenyan law, a governor has the right to contest an impeachment through the judiciary. Abdi Guyo is expected to challenge the County Assembly’s decision, likely on grounds of:
- Violation of due process
- Lack of constitutional justification
- Political victimization
If a court finds that the process was flawed, the impeachment could be overturned or suspended. Otherwise, the matter could move to the Senate, which is mandated to either uphold or reject the County Assembly’s decision based on evidence presented.
Implications for Isiolo County Leadership
The impeachment of Abdi Guyo marks a significant political shift for Isiolo County, a region often sidelined in national politics but now thrust into the spotlight. Key questions moving forward include:
- Who will serve as acting governor?
- Will the Senate affirm the impeachment?
- Can Isiolo’s governance be stabilized after months of turbulence?
As Guyo prepares for a legal challenge, Isiolo remains in political limbo, awaiting a resolution from Kenya’s constitutional and legislative frameworks.
