Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo was on Thursday impeached amid chaotic protests outside the County Assembly as rival groups clashed over control of the assembly precincts.
The governor was impeached on three grounds: gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
In a statement, Speaker Mohamed Roba said 16 out of 18 MCAs voted to remove the governor in a “duly constituted plenary session.”
“Out of the 18 members of the County Assembly, 16 voted in favour of the motion, while two were absent. There were no votes cast against the motion… Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo now stands impeached by the County Assembly of Isiolo,” Mr Roba stated.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo when he appeared before the Senate in Nairobi on November 14, 2024.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
The Speaker further said the governor failed to appear in person or through legal representation “despite being formally invited to respond to the allegations.”
Mr Roba, who also spoke to the Daily Nation by phone, said the proceedings went on despite chaos allegedly instigated by individuals opposed to the impeachment.
“The Assembly could not livestream the proceedings because the Hansard equipment was vandalised last week. The matter is under police investigation,” he said.
The session was marred by chaos and confusion with MCAs forced to enter the chambers under a hail of stones, teargas and gunfire.
Public participation on the impeachment motion was conducted across all 10 wards on Tuesday, with mixed reactions from residents.
However, in a statement, the Office of the Governor maintained that no lawful impeachment had taken place.
“The Office of the Governor of Isiolo County would like to categorically and unequivocally state that no lawful impeachment has taken place,” the statement reads in part.
The governor argued that the Assembly was not duly convened and that he was denied the legal right to be heard.
“This blatant disregard for due process renders the entire impeachment process null and void,” Governor Guyo said.
These sentiments were echoed by Isiolo Assembly Clerk Salad Boru, who had been sent on compulsory leave but later obtained a court order.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Investments and Special Funds in Nairobi on May 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“No such sitting has been convened, held, or facilitated by my office. There are active court orders explicitly prohibiting the County Assembly from advancing the impeachment proceedings,” Mr Boru said.
Early Thursday morning, the entrance to the County Assembly building became a battleground between rival camps and police officers, leaving several people injured.
Police officers battled protesters attempting to block the MCAs from accessing the Assembly. Journalists and members of the public were also unable to access the chambers due to the chaotic scenes.
The MCAs’ exit from the Assembly was equally dramatic as their supporters had to shield them from rival groups who hurled stones, amid gun shots from anti-riot police.
Immediately after the MCAs were evacuated, the County Assembly premises were invaded with several vehicles and buildings vandalised.
Since the initial notice of motion to impeach Governor Guyo was issued on June 10, the MCAs had been shuttling between the Assembly and a safe location outside the County.
According to the impeachment motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, Governor Guyo is accused of violating the County Governments Act, the Leadership and Integrity Act, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015), and the Public Finance Management Act (2012).
The governor is facing charges of failing to implement resolutions of the County Assembly leading to unmanageable county debts.
Mr Guyo is also accused of failing to deliver an annual state of the county address for the years he has been in office.
“The Governor has persistently made public pronouncements threatening the peaceful coexistence of communities in Isiolo County. This is in contravention of National Cohesion and Integration Act,” the impeachment motion states.
On abuse of office, the governor is accused of appointing 36 advisors, 31 chief officers and two deputy county secretaries against national guidelines on such appointments.
“This is against prudent use of public resources as provided 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,” the motion reads.
Governor Guyo is also accused of giving chief officers two-year contracts ‘creating an environment of fear and uncertainty’.
The governor is also in trouble for failing to renew the contracts of 20 chief officers and instead renewing five contracts in a questionable process.
“The Governor has grossly violated articles 201 (d) and (e) of the constitution by failing to utilise bursary funds in accordance with the approved budget, resulting in a discrepancy of Sh30,000,000.00, which cannot be accounted for,” the motion states.
On the charge of gross misconduct, the governor has been cited for making disrespectful, demeaning and sexist remarks against Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
“The governor has violated article 73 of the constitution and the leadership and integrity act by failing to professionally perform his duties owing to constant absence from office. The governor has been executing the functions of the county government from Nairobi,” Mr Godana said.
The county boss is also accused of using divisive and unbecoming language to the detriment of prudent public service, undermining the office and leading to loss in public trust.
