Isiolo MCAs defy governor Guyo’s truce call amid deepening political crisis
By Aloys Michael, July 16, 2025Tensions in Isiolo County have escalated as a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) continue to defy Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo’s call for a truce, further deepening a leadership crisis fueled by a recent reshuffle in the Assembly’s top ranks.
In the wake of the suspension of the ouster motion by the Senate, Guyo called for unity and an end to hostilities, but his appeal was swiftly rejected by a faction of MCAs led by Sericho Ward’s Abubakar Godana.
The group accused the governor of abuse of office and on June 26 voted 16–1 to impeach him, despite a conservatory court order barring them from discussing the motion.
Despite the shock of the relief, defiant MCAs have maintained their stance, widening the political rift. The crisis has divided public opinion, with grassroots leaders from the Somali, Gabra, and Samburu communities urging dialogue and restraint.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the County Assembly Speaker, Roba Koto, warned that the continued standoff could threaten Isiolo’s fragile ethnic balance and stall critical services, such as water supply and healthcare delivery.
“The Members of County Assembly have agreed that any defiance that would cause chaos in Isiolo should be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Roba’s truce
With both sides signalling a willingness to talk but trust severely eroded, Isiolo’s governance crisis remains unresolved. The standoff highlights the broader challenges within Kenya’s devolved units, where political rivalry, legal defiance, and ethnic divisions frequently intersect to hinder development and democratic stability.
“I urge the citizens to support this move to end the political standoff, for our county needs proper development,” Koto said.
“We do not need the conflict between the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Party. Anyone causing instability and not aligning with progress should be out.”
Meanwhile, a section of grassroots leaders in Isiolo County wants President William Ruto to intervene in a standoff between Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and Governor Abdi Guyo.
The leaders, who have held meetings in various wards, said the standoff is affecting service delivery at large.