Governor Guyo warns leaders against politicising Isiolo tragedies, calls for unity and peace

Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo has condemned what he termed as the exploitation of recent tragedies in the county for political gain, as residents continue to mourn a string of deaths that have left families devastated and tensions running high.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Guyo conveyed his condolences following the fire in Bulapesa that killed Halima Warri and her four children, describing the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful.

The fire, believed to have been started over a love-related conflict, also destroyed the family’s home.

“This heartbreaking incident has shaken us all,” Guyo said. “Police reports indicate the case stemmed from a domestic dispute, and the late had previously filed a complaint reporting threats to her life. It is disheartening that such a painful moment is being misused for political gain.”

The governor also addressed the recent death of popular Isiolo blogger Ismail Abdikadir, who died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run involving a lorry.

Despite police reports confirming it was an accident and eyewitnesses supporting that account, Guyo criticised what he described as deliberate attempts by some individuals to politicise the incident and falsely associate his administration with the tragedy.

“Despite eyewitness accounts and police confirming the nature of the incident, certain individuals chose to politicise his death, unfairly linking it to my administration without a shred of evidence,” he said.

The Governor acknowledged the county had seen a spike in isolated killings in recent weeks, which he said had created fear and uncertainty among residents. He assured families affected that investigations are underway and that those behind the crimes will be brought to justice.

“These incidents have left families grieving and communities anxious,” he stated. “We stand with every family affected and remain committed to restoring security and peace.”

The county boss further criticised Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo for what he termed as “irresponsible” remarks made in the Senate, accusing her of attempting to link the recent insecurity to the failed impeachment process against him.

Guyo defended County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, who had also come under attack in Fatuma’s speech, saying the commissioner had remained professional and committed to his mandate.

“Undermining our security apparatus without evidence weakens public confidence and endangers the very stability we all seek to protect,” he said.

Governor Guyo reiterated his commitment to the rule of law, pointing out that the courts had declared the impeachment process against him null and void, and the Senate had also dismissed the case on legal grounds.

“Throughout this period, I have respected the rule of law. The courts issued valid orders that were ignored by the County Assembly. The Senate terminated the matter on legal grounds, and the Meru High Court confirmed the process was null and void,” he said.

In a firm call for unity and responsible leadership, Guyo urged political leaders to avoid spreading division and instead focus on helping Isiolo heal.

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• Governor Guyo warns leaders against politicising Isiolo tragedies
• calls for unity and peace

“In this difficult time, what Isiolo needs is healing, not division,” he said. “My focus remains on safeguarding our people, upholding justice, and preserving peace across our great county.”

Meanwhile, County Commissioner Omoding had also warned against politicising insecurity in the region. Speaking after meeting the Speaker of the County Assembly, Banticha Abdullahi, Omoding said security officers remain neutral and committed to justice, and called on leaders to refrain from linking criminal incidents to political struggles.

“Let us not bring politics into security issues. For us, as a security agency, we are very neutral. We must be neutral so that we don’t align ourselves with any faction,” he said.

Tensions have been building in Isiolo in recent weeks, following the attempted impeachment of Governor Guyo and rising concerns over security in the county.