Guyo's impeachment case set for Senate as politics, clan rivalries come into play

Regional political supremacy contest and clan politics are at the centre of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo’s impeachment, ahead of a crucial Senate hearing which is set to begin on Tuesday morning.

The Senate will embark on a three-day session that shall either uphold or dismiss Guyo’s case, amid reports of divisions among Senators over how to handle the beleaguered county chief.

Governor Guyo is facing three broad charges: gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. It only requires the confirmation of one charge by a vote by the majority of Senators for him to lose his seat.

Investigations by The Standard reveal an intense political struggle for the control of the Northern region, with some key players viewing Guyo as an 'outsider' threatening to disrupt the traditional political order, which has forced them to regroup in efforts to contain him.

Beyond the legal process, however, the impeachment has shone a spotlight on the shifting political currents in Northern Kenya.

Guyo’s rise

From Nairobi ward representative to Isiolo Governor has unsettled established political power centers in the region, with some seeing him as a disruptor of the traditional political order.

Guyo’s leadership trajectory is notable.

A former Matopeni MCA and Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader, he became the first MCA in Kenya’s history to ascend to the governorship.

 In the 2022 General Election, he was elected under the Jubilee Party, becoming the only governor nationwide on that ticket.

He later aligned himself with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, boosting efforts to strengthen government support in the historically marginalised north.

Since assuming office in August 2022, Guyo has overseen several development initiatives in Isiolo County.

His administration reports the drilling of 68 boreholes to improve access to clean water, construction of over 50 ECDE classrooms, and the issuance of more than 2,000 title deeds to residents.

Additionally, work has been completed on a multi-billion-shilling abattoir aimed at boosting the livestock economy, alongside the construction of an accident and emergency unit at the Isiolo County Referral Hospital.

“These milestones reflect our commitment to transformative leadership and inclusive service delivery,” the governor previously stated, pledging to uphold transparency and unity in governance.

However, his rapid political ascension and realignment have not sat well with all quarters. Isiolo South MP Mohammed Tubi and a group of local professionals have expressed concerns over alleged financial mismanagement, calling for investigations into purported irregular fund withdrawals.

They argue that the impeachment reflects the frustrations of local leaders over stagnating services.

Business leaders like Mohammed Duba and Mwenda Thuranira have also weighed in, urging the Senate to uphold the rule of law and protect the spirit of devolution.

“This process is not just about one individual but restoring confidence in governance at the grassroots,” said Thuranira.

Clan politics — a long-standing factor in the region’s political matrix — are also influencing the proceedings. Interestingly, both Governor Guyo and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, who is playing a key role in the Senate hearings, hail from the same clan.

Their strained political relationship and speculation that Dullo could be eyeing the governorship in 2027 have added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.

The County Assembly of Isiolo, which initiated the impeachment, voted overwhelmingly to remove Guyo, with 16 out of 18 MCAs supporting the motion.

However, a court order had initially barred the Assembly from proceeding until a case filed by the governor was heard.

The defiance of this order is expected to be among the preliminary objections raised by Guyo’s legal team.

On Tuesday, the Senate Clerk will formally read the charges, after which both parties will make opening statements.

The Assembly will then present its case, followed by the governor's defense. Senators will have the opportunity to interrogate both sides before making a final decision through a vote.

The outcome of this case may significantly alter the political landscape in Isiolo and beyond, not just for Governor Guyo, but for the balance of power in Northern Kenya.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the Senate, which must navigate both the legal and political dimensions of this consequential case.