Somali elders, professionals urge arbitration as Isiolo impeachment battle intensifies

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo when he appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Towers, Parliament. May 19, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A section of Somali community professionals and the council of elders in Isiolo have urged county assembly members (MCAs) and others pushing for the impeachment of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo to consider alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration. They cautioned that the county’s fragile ethnic cohesion could be destabilised if the impeachment process goes ahead without exhausting all avenues for dialogue.

In a joint statement read by Luqman Ahmed, they acknowledged that impeachment is a lawful process but warned that, if pursued, it would drag on and hinder vital development activities, ultimately hampering service delivery in the county.

They urged that impeachment should only be considered as a last resort after all other avenues for resolving differences have been pursued, as the process is likely to divert substantial time and resources away from improving, or rather, helping Isiolo residents.

Somali Council of Elders chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi added that they are not taking sides. They have offered to mediate between the parties to prevent further escalation of the political tensions that have arisen since the MCAs tabled the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo.

The elders noted that while other counties, such as neighbouring Meru, have also witnessed similar impeachment proceedings, Isiolo’s unique ethnic dynamics demand careful handling to avoid tensions and peaceful coexistence among residents.

They maintained that mediation and dialogue remain the best path to preventing unnecessary conflicts.