Isiolo elders and residents have called on national institutions to urgently address the worsening governance and legal crisis in the county, days after the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
The elders said that the standoff, which has led to the emergence of parallel assemblies, contested budgets, insecurity, and corruption claims, has paralyzed service delivery and placed the county on the brink of collapse.
They urged Chief Justice Martha Koome, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to uphold the law and protect Isiolo residents from political turmoil.
Mohamed Ali, vice chairman of the Borana Council of Elders, lamented that over Ksh21 billion allocated to Isiolo County in past financial years has not translated into tangible benefits for locals.
“Our people are yet to see any meaningful development from all this money. The law must take its course so that accountability can be restored,” Ali said.
Luke Mithika echoed his sentiments, accusing county leaders of perpetuating corruption and secrecy. He pointed to the recent Ksh 7 billion budget that was passed without public participation, a constitutional requirement designed to give residents a voice in resource allocation.
Ms. Balafu Darimo highlighted the violence and insecurity that rocked Isiolo in June 2025, when the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo was tabled. Several residents were injured and others killed in clashes linked to the political showdown.
She further expressed alarm over the existence of two rival assemblies. One faction operates within the official county assembly, while another has set up camp in a tent in OlDonyiro Ward, deepening confusion among citizens.
“This confusion has thrown our county into disorder. Services have stalled, and the lives of ordinary people are being disrupted,” Darimo said.
Some residents questioned whether the judiciary is handling Isiolo’s political disputes impartially.
David Kimathi, a resident, directly appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene.
“We need the Chief Justice to ensure justice is done without delay. Isiolo cannot continue in this limbo,” Kimathi said.
Former deputy governor aspirant Mugambi Mugabe accused certain judicial officers of interfering with cases related to Isiolo’s governance, citing images circulating on social media showing them with Governor Guyo.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The perception of compromised officers has eroded trust. Isiolo people deserve transparency and fairness,” Mugabe noted.
Former Garbatulla councillor Hussein Abduba, who led the elders’ press briefing, said the wrangles have crippled service delivery and must not be allowed to continue.
“There are many burning issues affecting Isiolo since the attempted impeachment of Governor Guyo. The law must be allowed to take its course so that services can resume,” Abduba said.
The elders insisted that political leaders must put residents’ interests first, warning that prolonged instability could destabilize Isiolo further.
For now, Isiolo’s fate remains in the hands of institutions tasked with enforcing the law. The elders’ message was clear: only firm and impartial intervention can restore order and ensure the county’s two hundred thousand residents are not left stranded.
Written by George Kobia, TV47 Correspondent.
