Isiolo residents seek Ruto’s intervention in feud between MCAs and Governor Guyo

The leaders, who have held meetings in various wards, said the standoff is affecting service delivery at large.  

On Tuesday, Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana tabled a motion in the Assembly, initiating an impeachment motion against the County boss. MCAs accuse Guyo of abuse of office, gross misconduct and constitutional violations.

During the community engagements, Bula Pesa ward leader Lydia Ntinyari said the pending plans to impeach the governor are not good for them.

“I urge the president to personally intervene and make sure this issue is solved for our sake,” she said.

She appealed to the MCAs and the governor to swallow their pride and resolve the conflict.

Another resident, Stephene Ngatia asked the leaders to instead talk about developing the area and seek job creation opportunities.

Emmanuel Mzungu told the MCAs to seek public opinion before proceeding with the impeachment plans.

“Let us talk as leaders and solve any pending standoff. We need unity,” said Joseline Kagendo.

On the other hand, Secretary General for Isiolo Somali Council of elders Abdila Hassan asked the feuding groups to give dialogue a chance.

“No need for war. All is possible through dialogue. We ask for all, and in particular, the president to come in and solve this issue,” he said.

He said minority communities in the area are worried the standoff could negatively affect them.

Following the tabling of the motion by Godana on Tuesday, Guyo has seven days to respond to the accusations. The motion received unanimous support from all 18 MCAs and the County Assembly, led by Speaker Mohamed Roba, is now preparing for a public participation process.

In his motion, 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.

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,” Godana said.

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.