EXPLAINER: Why Governor Guyo survived impeachment at the Senate

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo survived impeachment primarily due to procedural flaws and irregularities in the County Assembly's ouster process.

Guyo's legal team successfully argued that the alleged impeachment sittings on June 18 and June 26, 2025, where the motion to impeach him was debated and passed, were either not held or were unlawfully convened.

The Senate found no credible evidence that these sittings took place as claimed, leading to the dismissal of the impeachment on procedural grounds

Further, the defence highlighted that the Hansard records and other documents presented by the County Assembly as evidence were forged, fabricated, and generated outside proper legislative processes.

The lack of official certification on these Hansard records further undermined their validity, leading the Senate to question the authenticity of the impeachment motion.

Also, there was an active High Court order that had declared the impeachment process null and void, which the Senate respected.

The governor's legal team emphasised that proceeding with the impeachment despite the court ruling would be unlawful, reinforcing the case for dismissal.

In a decisive vote, 31 senators supported the preliminary objections raised by Guyo's defence, while only 12 voted to proceed with the impeachment.

This vote mirrored legal precedents where impeachment attempts that fail to meet constitutional and procedural thresholds are dismissed, such as the case of Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi cautioned Guyo that this outcome was not a political victory but a postponement, urging him to reconcile with dissenting legislators and avoid further political conflict in Isiolo.

"This is not a win, and the Senate does not expect you to go out there chest-thumping. This is a postponement of your case. Depending on how you are going to carry yourself going forward, that case may never be heard or may be back here in a matter of days. It's up to you," Kingi noted. 

Following the Senate ruling, Guyo called for unity and renewed focus on development, emphasising that the ordeal should redirect energy towards meaningful progress in Isiolo rather than political divisions.

"To my family, friends, and all supporters, your prayers, steadfast belief, and unwavering commitment have been our greatest strength. This victory belongs to all of us. With this chapter behind us, we now refocus our energy on what truly matters: driving meaningful development, fostering unity, and fulfilling our shared vision of a thriving Isiolo,” Guyo said.

In a motion tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, Guyo was accused of abuse of office and gross misconduct, as well as violating the Constitution, irregularly appointing 36 advisors and 31 chief officers, which exceeded legal limits, awarding flawed contracts, and stalling development projects.