A section of Isiolo’s Somali community professionals and elders has urged County Assembly Members and other stakeholders involved in the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Abdi Guyo to seek alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The call comes amid heightened tensions following the announcement by some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of their intention to impeach Governor Guyo. Concerns over the security of the MCAs have also been raised ahead of the crucial debate.

The statement was read publicly on Sunday, June 22, 2025, by Lookman Mahmud, a respected community leader and professional from Isiolo, who emphasised the need for calm and dialogue rather than confrontation.

“We urge all parties involved, especially the county assembly members, to embrace dialogue and mediation rather than pursue divisive paths that could escalate tensions in Isiolo,” Mahmud said.

The Somali community professionals and council of elders expressed worry that the impeachment process if handled without mutual respect and understanding, could deepen divisions and threaten peace in the region, which has historically experienced ethnic and political tensions.

“Isiolo is a diverse county with a fragile peace. We call on all stakeholders to put the interest of the community above politics and seek alternative mechanisms to resolve their differences,” the statement read.

The appeal comes after the county assembly members raised alarms about their security as the debate over the potential ousting of Governor Guyo draws near. Some MCAs reported feeling threatened and called on security agencies to ensure their safety.

Truce for Guyo?

The Somali leaders acknowledged the concerns but cautioned against allowing fear to fuel further unrest.

“Security is paramount, and we support measures to safeguard all public representatives. However, threats and intimidation should never be used to silence dialogue or derail due process,” he emphasised.

Governor Abdi Guyo, who has faced mounting criticism from some MCAs over governance issues, has denied allegations of misconduct and called for peaceful resolutions to the political disputes.

The call by the Somali community’s professionals and elders highlights the need for constructive engagement amid politically charged environments in Isiolo.

They urged both the county assembly and the governor’s camp to consider mediation forums facilitated by neutral parties, including elders and civil society groups.

“Our plea is simple: Let us find a path that does not pit community members against each other. We encourage mediation, peace talks, and patience as we work through this challenging time,” he said.

Mahmud said the Kenyan constitution provides for impeachment as a legitimate tool for holding governors accountable but stressed the importance of exhausting dialogue and consensus-building before resorting to such drastic measures.

“The community’s appeal seeks to avoid any eruption of conflict that could disrupt peace and development efforts in the semi-arid county, which remains vulnerable to social and economic challenges,” he noted.

Isiolo’s diverse population, including Somali, Borana, and Turkana communities, has often relied on elders’ councils and traditional conflict resolution to maintain harmony.

The leaders called on all Kenyans to respect democratic processes while ensuring the safety and dignity of all representatives involved.

“Peace and unity are our greatest assets. Let us protect them at all costs,” Mahmud urged.