Seek our views first, Isiolo residents tell MCAs on plot to impeach Governor Guyo

A plan by the Isiolo County Members of the County Assembly to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo has now sparked public concern, with residents now saying the MCAs should seek their views first.

According to those who spoke to the Standard, instead of planning how to impeach the governor, the leaders should be talking about developing the area at large and how to create job opportunities for the youth.

“They must seek public views before they proceed with the plans. If there is anything that is causing any differences, they can sit down and agree,” one of the residents said.

The residents maintained that the MCAs and the county leadership should strive to work together and embrace dialogue to resolve any issues.

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“Let us talk as leaders and solve any pending standoff. We need unity and if they cannot agree, let the president come in and intervene,” said the Secretary General for Isiolo Somali Council of elders, Abdila Hassan.

He said the feud between the leaders has left the minority communities within the county worried that the standoff might negatively affect them.

Their sentiments come even as a section of grassroots politicians called on President William Ruto to intervene before the impeachment is debated next week.

Led by Bula Pesa Ward Representative Lydia Ntinyari, the grassroots politicians said the current feud between Governor Guyo and the County Assembly is hurting service delivery at large.

The MCAs on Tuesday initiated a process of impeaching Guyo, citing failed leadership and misconduct.

The impeachment motion tabled on Monday evening by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana was signed by all 18 Ward Reps.

Police were forced to fire shots in the air to disperse a group of residents who attempted to storm the county assembly in opposition to the plans. 

According to the motion, the MCAs are seeking the governor's removal on the grounds of gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution and various laws, and abuse of office.

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.

A source said the MCAs had held meetings in their respective wards to deliberate on the crisis before they retreated to a Nakuru hotel for further deliberations.

But Ntinyari said, “The pending plans to impeach the governor is not good for us as a county. I urge the president to personally intervene and make sure this issue is solved for our sake.”

She urged her colleagues and the governor to swallow their pride and sit down for an agreement.

As the County Assembly, led by Speaker Mohamed Roba, is preparing for a public participation process, Guyo has seven days to respond to the accusations.