Isiolo elders appeal for ceasefire among county officials amidst political turmoil

Elders and residents of Isiolo County have appealed for a ceasefire among county officials amid deepening political wrangles that have stalled services, following the failed impeachment of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, the Borana Council of Elders and other community representatives called on Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to safeguard residents from political turmoil that has paralysed service delivery.

Borana Council of Elders Vice Chairman Mohamed Ali claimed that Isiolo has received more than Sh21 billion over the past financial year without any visible benefits for locals.

“Our people are yet to see any meaningful development from all this money. The law must take its course so that accountability can be restored,” Mohamed said.

Luke Mithika, another member, accused county leaders of presiding over corruption, citing the controversial Sh7 billion budget that was passed without public participation.

“Public participation is a constitutional requirement meant to give residents a voice in resource allocation. This was ignored, and corruption has taken root,” Mithika said.

Balafu Darimo warned that political disputes have fuelled violence and insecurity, pointing to the clashes that erupted in June 2025 when the impeachment motion was introduced.

“This confusion has thrown our county into disorder. Services have stalled, and the lives of ordinary people are being disrupted,” she said, adding that two rival assembly camps had emerged, one operating in the official chambers and another in a tent at Ol Donyiro Ward.

Some residents questioned whether the Judiciary is fairly handling Isiolo’s political disputes.

“We need the Chief Justice to ensure justice is done without delay. Isiolo cannot continue in this limbo,” David Kimathi, a resident, said.

Mugambi Mugabe accused some judicial officers of interfering with Isiolo’s governance cases, citing photos on social media showing certain officers with Governor Guyo.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. The perception of compromised officers has eroded trust. Isiolo people deserve transparency and fairness,” he said.

The crisis stems from the failed impeachment motion against Governor Guyo that was tabled in June. The governor was accused of abuse of office, gross misconduct and mismanagement of public resources. While some Members of County Assembly (MCAs) backed his removal, others rallied to his defence.

The divisions culminated in the formation of two parallel assembly camps, each swearing in its own speaker and clerk. One faction remained in the official chambers, while the other relocated to Ol Donyiro Ward, where it set up a makeshift assembly inside a tent. The standoff has paralysed legislative processes, with conflicting decisions and resolutions worsening the instability.

Former Isiolo county council chairman and Garbatulla councillor Hussein Abduba, who led the elders’ press briefing, said the prolonged wrangles cannot be allowed to persist.

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“There are many burning issues affecting Isiolo since the attempted impeachment of Governor Guyo. The law must be allowed to take its course so that services can resume,” Hussein said.

The elders insisted that political leaders must put residents’ welfare before personal interests, warning that prolonged instability could destabilise Isiolo further.