Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo names three new CECs amid political turmoil

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo speaks at a past event. (Photo: Abdi Guyo)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has moved to strengthen his administration by nominating three new County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), barely two months after surviving an impeachment attempt in the Senate.

On Tuesday, Governor Guyo announced the appointments of Luqman Ahmed to head Finance and Economic Planning, Hussein Jirmo Katelo for Lands, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Urban Planning and Municipal Services, and Guracha Kikuyu to oversee Water, Environment, Climate Change, Mining and Natural Resources.

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The three nominees will now appear before the Isiolo County Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

“In accordance with the provisions of the County Governments Act, 2012, and the Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approval) Act, their names have been formally submitted to the County Assembly of Isiolo for vetting, consideration, and approval,” said County Spokesperson Ali Edin.

The appointments follow Guyo’s narrow escape from removal in July, when the Senate overturned an impeachment motion passed by the County Assembly.

On July 9, 2025, 31 Senators backed the Governor’s challenge, while 12 opposed, after he questioned the legality of the Assembly’s sitting that passed the motion.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, while delivering the ruling, reminded Guyo not to treat the decision as a clear victory and urged him to repair relations with local legislators.

“This is not a win, and the Senate does not expect you to go out there chest-thumping. This is a postponement of your case. Depending on how you are going to carry yourself going forward, that case may never be heard or may be back here in a matter of days. It’s up to you,” Kingi said.

“Clearly, there are cracks in the walls of Isiolo County. If I were you, I’d go mend those cracks. You need to have a sitting with your Senator, even if it’s through a third party. You need to mend your relationship with the County Assembly.”

The Assembly had levelled several accusations against Guyo, including gross misconduct, abuse of office, delaying key development initiatives, failing to meet revenue targets, and expanding his administration with numerous advisors and chief officers.

Reports indicate that he appointed 36 advisors and 31 chief officers, even as Isiolo County remained among the lowest revenue-earning counties nationwide.

Further criticism arose over the issuance of two-year contracts to chief officers, which Assembly members argued created an “environment of fear and uncertainty.” The impeachment motion had proceeded despite a court injunction barring the Assembly from taking action.

Guyo is also under scrutiny from the Director of Public Prosecutions, who has directed his arrest over alleged involvement in kidnapping and robbery with violence.

The DPP’s statement noted that the decision followed a review of an inquiry file from the DCI Kiyumbi office, which was escalated to Nairobi due to public interest concerns.

According to the DPP, on the day in question, former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health, Abdirahaman Mohamed, and 15 MCAs aligned with the impeachment effort were at Outbark Hotel in Maanzoni, Machakos County, when Guyo and his supporters allegedly stormed the location.