Members of the Isiolo County Assembly on Tuesday initiated the process of impeaching Governor Abdi Guyo in response to multiple allegations.
During a heavily guarded afternoon session, Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana tabled a notice of motion for the governor’s impeachment. Police were forced to fire shots in the air to disperse a group of residents who attempted to storm the county assembly.
According to the motion, the MCAs are seeking the governor’s removal on the grounds of gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution and various laws, and abuse of office.
Mr Godana cited violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the Public Officers Ethics Act.
“These Acts provide for respect for the rule of law, good governance, accountability and transparency as key principles of leadership,” he said.
The governor has been accused of presiding over numerous stalled development projects and failing to meet county revenue targets.
Regarding abuse of office, the governor is accused of appointing 36 advisors and 31 chief officers despite Isiolo County receiving the third-lowest revenue allocation in the country.
“This is against prudent use of public resources as provided for in the Public Finance Management Act. It is further contrary to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular, which limits the number of advisors to four individuals,” reads the motion.
Governor Guyo has also been accused of issuing two-year contracts to chief officers, allegedly creating “an environment of fear and uncertainty”.
The motion further alleges that the governor failed to renew the contracts of 20 chief officers, instead renewing five contracts through a questionable process.
“The governor has violated Article 73 of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act by failing to professionally perform his duties, often being absent from office and executing county functions from Nairobi,” Mr Godana said.
The governor has been cited for gross misconduct for making disrespectful, demeaning and sexist remarks about Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
He is also accused of using divisive and inappropriate language that has undermined the management of public services and eroded the public's trust in his office.
Following the tabling of the motion, Governor Guyo has seven days to respond to the accusations. The County Assembly, led by Speaker Mohamed Roba, is now preparing for a public participation process.
This impeachment bid comes just one week after Governor Guyo made sexist comments about Senator Dullo during the Madaraka Day celebrations.
He has also faced criticism over allegations of ghost workers in the county government. Last October, a leaked payroll sparked public outrage , with 11 MCAs accusing the executive of irregular recruitment practices.
Furthermore, Governor Guyo has drawn scrutiny from the Senate for repeatedly ignoring summonses from the Public Accounts Committee.
