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Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo 'mends fences' with rivals after surviving impeachment
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has made headway in resolving the leadership disputes that have plagued the county for the last three months, having mended fences with his deputy and several rival MCAs.
Having survived impeachment in the Senate, Governor Guyo now has the backing of 12 of the 16 MCAs who voted to impeach him.
Isiolo County has descended into a leadership crisis, with two county assemblies operating simultaneously and stalling operations.
The feuds have led to massive destruction of public offices following the vandalism of the county assembly building and burning of the county secretary's office.
But on Thursday, Governor Guyo, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor James Lowasa, former governor Godana Doyo, Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya, and MCAs, said the political leadership was keen on restoring calm in the county.
“I urge residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and shun anyone trying to divide them along ethnic lines for selfish political gains. I have no grudges against anyone who took part in any way during the failed impeachment attempt. All leaders are welcome so that we ensure quality service delivery for the people of Isiolo ahead of the elections,” Mr Guyo said.
During the recent government realignment, the governor stripped his deputy of his role as health executive and fired several top officers.
Among the MCAs who have closed ranks with the governor are Peter Losu (Ngaremara, Abdirashid Diba (Garbatulla), David Lemantile (Oldonyiro), Abdinor Jillo (Kinna) and Salesio Kiambi (Wabera).
Others are David Waithaka (Bulapesa), Rahma Abdikadir (Nominated), Fransisca Letimalo, Fozia Jibril, Amina Enow, and Hon. Fatuma Abdi.
The move is likely to bring to an end the County Assembly impasse, where Speaker Mohamed Roba now remains with six MCAs.
Mr Losu said he chose to have a handshake with the governor in the interest of the people he represents.
“I have been accused of betraying my colleagues but this is not out of selfish interest. I have always called for means of ending destructive political contests. My focus is to see the people of Isiolo receive the development they need,” Mr Losu said.
The Ngaremara MCA has been a vocal critic of the governor, accusing him of splitting the Assembly.
Isiolo Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya urged residents to support the Governor to enable him to deliver development and services to the people.
“We have lost more than two months in unnecessary politics. It is time to settle down to work, and await the 2027 general elections to seek fresh mandate from the people,” she said.
The governor defended his development record, saying his administration has drilled 65 operational boreholes, 30 ECDE classrooms and built the first ICU in the region.
“I found the Isiolo abattoir stalled for several years but we have managed to complete the project. We have given out bursaries worth millions, built seven dispensaries among others. However, my opponents keep saying there is nothing going on in Isiolo. This is a smear campaign targeting the 2027 elections,” Mr Guyo said.
He said his administration has also employed close to 90 health workers to improve access to medical care.
The Governor said political fights would not bring him down, saying he was working around the clock to unify the county.
“My opponents have been declaring that they have finished off my political career. However, let them prepare for a scathing contest. They have been looking for the president’s support to be able to remove me from office. But they can only be governor through the ballot,” he said.
He dared his opponents to wait for the elections rather than seeking the elective seat through the back door.
