Relief for Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo as court halts impeachment proceedings
The governor is accused of overseeing numerous stalled development projects, failing to meet county revenue targets, and hiring 36 advisors, far above the limit of four set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Relief for Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo as court halts impeachment proceedings
The High Court in Isiolo has issued temporary conservatory orders restraining the County Assembly and its Speaker from proceeding with a planned impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Guyo, pending the hearing of a petition filed.
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Justice Nyaga Heston Mbogo said the petitioner, Abdi Ibrahim, had established a strong case justifying interim protection until the matter is heard and determined.
“I am satisfied that the Petitioner/Applicant has made out a case that warrants grant of the relief sought,” Mbogo ruled on Monday.
The court certified the application dated June 13 as urgent and directed that it be served on all respondents by close of business on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
In the meantime, the court restrained the respondents, including the County Assembly of Isiolo and its Speaker, from admitting, processing, debating, or considering in any way the Notice of Motion dated June 10 seeking to remove Governor Guyo from office through impeachment.
The motion had been scheduled for debate on Tuesday, June 17, or any other date to be set by the Assembly.
Justice Mbogo further ordered the third respondent, whose name was not disclosed in the ruling, to provide the petitioner with a copy of the Notice of Motion for impeachment along with all supporting documents within 48 hours of being served with the court’s order.
The respondents are required to file their responses within seven days of service, while the petitioner may file and serve any supplementary affidavit within three days thereafter.
The matter will be mentioned for compliance and further directions on June 30, 2025.
Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana had introduced a notice of motion to impeach Governor Abdi over alleged abuse of office, gross misconduct, and violation of constitutional and legal provisions. The motion was tabled during a tense and heavily guarded session of the County Assembly on June 10, 2025.
The tabling of the motion sparked chaos outside the Assembly chambers, where police were forced to fire in the air to disperse residents attempting to storm the building. Inside, all 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) unanimously endorsed the motion, including nominated MCAs and those allied to the Governor.
Abubakar accused Governor Abdi of breaching Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the Public Officers’ Ethics Act.
“These Acts provide for respect for the rule of law, good governance, accountability and transparency as key principles of leadership,” he said.
The governor is also accused of overseeing numerous stalled development projects, failing to meet county revenue targets, and hiring 36 advisors, far above the limit of four set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. He is also alleged to have illegally appointed two Deputy County Secretaries and created a toxic work environment by mishandling the contract renewals of chief officers.
The motion further cites the governor’s prolonged absence from his office, claiming he spends significant time in Nairobi at the expense of county operations.
Additionally, Governor Abdi has been criticised for failing to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Health on two occasions, where he was expected to address urgent healthcare issues in Isiolo.
Tensions escalated following Madaraka Day celebrations, during which the governor allegedly made sexist and derogatory remarks about Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo. He reportedly questioned her use of public funds in a manner that MCAs claim violated Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015.
“Governor Abdi Guyo has been frequently absent from his official duties, reportedly spending significant time in Nairobi, which has hindered effective county governance,” MCA Godana said.
Speaker Mohamed Roba confirmed receipt of the motion and outlined the required procedures, including a seven-day notice period, public participation forums, and an opportunity for the Governor to respond to the allegations.
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