Attempts to impeach Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo have spiraled into a deeply troubling situation, marked by serious allegations of intimidation, threats, and even the abduction of a former county official. The incident has cast a shadow of fear over Members of the Isiolo County Assembly (MCAs) who are spearheading the motion to oust the governor, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for immediate intervention.

At the heart of the escalating tensions is the alleged abduction and severe injury of Abdirahim Mohamed, the former Isiolo County Chief Officer for Medical Services. Mohamed was reportedly abducted from a hotel in Machakos County on Friday, June 13, and subsequently found unconscious and critically injured in Ruiru, approximately 20 kilometers from Ruai. Speaking from his hospital bed in Nairobi, Mohamed recounted a harrowing experience, tearfully describing how he was subjected to violence and left for dead by his abductors. He sustained multiple fractures, an ordeal he condemned as the “highest form of impunity.” The matter has been reported to the Kyumvi police station, where investigations are ongoing.

The alleged abduction has heightened fears among the Isiolo MCAs, 16 out of 18 of whom are united in their resolve to impeach Governor Guyo. These MCAs, many of whom visited the hospitalized Mohamed, claim their lives are in danger and that they have been forced to go into hiding, being pursued by armed assailants late into the night. Burat Ward MCA Nicholas Lorot described being chased from as far as Iten, Uasin Gishu, while Sericho Ward MCA Godana, the sponsor of the impeachment motion, likened their plight to that of war victims, unable to use their phones and constantly on the run.

The MCAs accuse Governor Guyo of poor leadership and chronic mismanagement of public funds, asserting that his administration has become unbearable after three years. Their determination to proceed with the impeachment remains unwavering despite the alleged intimidation tactics. The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson Rehema Jaldessa vehemently condemned the “heinous goonism, intimidation, and abduction,” echoing sentiments from Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif. Governor Khalif, in his statement, called for political tolerance within the Isiolo county leadership and urged relevant security agencies to expedite investigations into the abduction and other reported disappearances.

A section of grassroots leaders has also voiced concerns, appealing to President William Ruto to intervene in the standoff, warning that the crisis is severely affecting service delivery across the county. The formal impeachment process was initiated by the MCAs on Tuesday, with the motion receiving unanimous support from all 18 members. Following its tabling, Governor Guyo has seven days to respond to the accusations. The County Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Mohamed Roba, is now preparing for a crucial public participation process. Tensions were evident even at the County Assembly, where police were compelled to fire shots in the air to disperse a group of residents who attempted to storm the building in opposition to the impeachment plans.