Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti has abandoned his re-election bid in the August 9 General Election citing ill health.

While announcing his retirement from active politics, Kuti endorsed Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Guyo to succeed him.

Kuti confirmed he has been unwell since last December.

“Unfortunately, lately I have experienced some health challenges that I strongly feel it’s time to hand over leadership back to my community of Sakuye and Isiolo county at large,” the governor said on Saturday during a meeting with Sakuye community elders.

“I thank the people of Isiolo who have supported me for the last 20 years and also for whom I have served as a medical officer for 10 years and 20 years in politics,” the governor added.

“I have called my community, whom we have agreed unanimously to hand the leadership and running for governor to Spring Valley/Matopeni MCA Abdi Guyo,” he said, adding that Guyo is best placed to succeed him.

A surprise declaration that could change the political landscape in the county, Kuti said the community has convinced Guyo who had declared interest for Embakasi Central MP to run for Isiolo Governor.

The county boss has not appeared in public for more than three months now.

He was last seen during national celebrations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The 58-year-old governor has been in active politics for 20 years, serving as Isiolo North MP for two terms and one term as senator.

He served as Health assistant minister between 2004 and 2005, Minister for Youth Affairs in 2005; and Minister for Livestock from 2008 to 2013 during retired President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.

Former governor Godana Doyo, former EACC boss Halakhe Waqo and politician Hussein Tene are among those eyeing the Isiolo gubernatorial seat.

Uhuru’s ally

Guyo said he would seek the Isiolo gubernatorial seat on a Jubilee party ticket.

“Jubilee is my party and I cannot go anywhere else. We want to transform the lives of our people. That is my aim for going for this seat,” he told People Daily yesterday.

“I am going for the governor of Isiolo. I believe I have what it takes to take our county to the next level, my opponents should just prepare for a mother of all battles,” added Guyo.

At the same time, Isiolo Deputy Governor Abdi Issa has formally announced his bid to contest the county’s Senate seat, ending speculations that he would vie for the Isiolo North parliamentary seat.

His entry into the race brings to five the total number of those seeking to unseat Senator Fatuma Dullo.

Others are County Speaker Hussein Roba, Nuh Mohammed Ibrahim, Domiciano Maingi and Mugambi Kaaria.

Dr Issa, who has been at loggerheads with his boss, Kuti, over the past four years, said he will vie on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket.

He said his quest was prompted by the desire to ensure prudent use of public resources and prevent wastage which he says continues to deny residents services and development.

While complaining that he had been side-lined in the running of the government that he was part of and that he helped form in 2017.

Dr Issa said the county’s administration has failed to deliver on its promises to residents and that his boss does not deserve a second term.

“Our government has failed to deliver and residents should vote it out. You all know they locked me out and there is no work that has been going on in our county,” he said in reference to Kuti.