Isiolo MCAs move to impeach Governor Guyo over misconduct claims

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo is facing impeachment after all 17 Members of the County Assembly signed a petition to remove him, citing failed leadership and misconduct.

The motion was tabled on Monday evening and will be debated next Tuesday. While specific grounds have not been disclosed, the move follows growing backlash over alleged corruption and gender-based abuse.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has accused Guyo of making crude remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo, calling them degrading and unconstitutional.

“These statements are unbecoming of a public officer and offend the spirit and letter of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity,” said NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa.

“They humiliate, degrade and intimidate women in leadership and public service,” she added.

Guyo allegedly made disparaging remarks about Dullo’s personal life while dismissing her calls for accountability in county spending.

The Commission said Dullo was acting within her constitutional mandate under Article 96.

“Attempts to intimidate, shame or silence her for doing so are unlawful, unacceptable and must be met with firm institutional response,” said Jaldesa.

NGEC also criticised the governor for making sexually suggestive remarks involving a young man, calling it a violation of youth rights.

The impeachment motion also follows a leaked payroll that showed over 1,600 employees, raising fears of ghost workers and nepotism.

“A glance at the county executive payroll has revealed unpleasant happenings where laws on recruitment have been thrown out of the window and replaced with jungle law where the governor calls the shots,” said Burat MCA Nicholas Lorot.

County Secretary Dadhe Boru dismissed the leak as politically motivated but confirmed a probe is underway.

“We have initiated administrative action against officers who handle personal data relating to county staff. Investigations are ongoing to verify the source of the document,” said Boru.

Deputy Governor James Lowasa has also defended the administration. However, MCAs say the county’s hiring practices remain deeply flawed.

“We have given the governor enough time to deliver for the people of Isiolo. However, he has failed on his mandate, and as the oversight body, we have come out to call out this administration,” said Cherab MCA Halima Abgudho.