How Isiolo governor Guyo is mending ties with MCAs after impeachment scare

Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo is walking a delicate political path as he seeks to repair strained relations with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) barely two months after surviving an impeachment attempt.

In July, Guyo escaped removal from office after the Senate overturned a motion passed by the Isiolo County Assembly, ruling that the procedure was flawed.

The reprieve saved his career but left deep divisions in the county’s political landscape.

Those cracks have widened in recent weeks.

Multiple police investigations have been opened against the governor, and last week, efforts to charge him and seven aides with robbery with violence and kidnapping stalled after the High Court issued conservatory orders.

On Monday, Guyo extended an olive branch to some of his critics in a bid to calm tensions.

He met in Nairobi with Deputy Governor James Lowasa and two MCAs, Peter Losu of Ngaremara Ward and Nicholas Lorot of Burat Ward, both from the Turkana community, to discuss reconciliation.

“As part of our commitment to heal and unite after the failed impeachment motion, I met with Deputy Governor James Lowasa, Hon. Peter Losu, and Hon. Nicholas Lorot. Their stand for truth and willingness to foster togetherness reflect the true spirit of leadership. I urge all leaders to embrace this unity as we work for Isiolo’s shared progress and prosperity,” Guyo said after the meeting.

The governor has held similar talks with leaders from Isiolo’s diverse communities, which include the Borana, Somalis, Turkana, Meru, Samburu, Kikuyu, Kamba, and other minority groups.

Guyo himself comes from the Sakuye, a small Borana subtribe, but draws on his political experience in Nairobi, where he served three terms as councillor and MCA despite his minority background.

“My work is to unite the county. It doesn’t matter which tribe you come from, Isiolo belongs to all of us collectively as a people,” he emphasized.

Even as he pursues reconciliation, Guyo is pushing back against mounting legal pressure.

He dismissed a directive by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to arrest and charge him and his aides over alleged kidnapping and robbery with violence.

“The ODPP issued a statement calling for my arrest alongside seven others over allegations of kidnapping with intent to cause grievous harm and robbery with violence. I wish to make it clear that these allegations are baseless, politically motivated, and clearly intended to intimidate and silence us,” Guyo said in a statement last week.

As investigations continue, the governor faces the twin challenge of clearing his name in court while rallying political support to steady his administration.