Reports of ghost workers haunt Isiolo County as payroll leaks, leaders claim lives in danger

A political crisis is unfolding in Isiolo County, following a leaked payroll document revealing a potential ghost worker scheme and allegations of nepotism within the county government.

The leaked document, which surfaced this week, includes details on over 1,600 employees and has prompted heated accusations from local leaders who claim Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration is engaging in irregular appointments.

The controversy has ignited an uproar from 11 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and Senator Fatuma Dullo, who assert that their lives are now in danger for opposing the current administration’s practices.

“A glance at the county executive payroll has revealed unpleasant happenings where laws on recruitment have been thrown out of the window and replaced with jungle law where the governor calls the shots,” said Burat MCA Nicholas Lorot.

County officials, however, have denied these allegations. Isiolo Deputy Governor James Lowasa and County Secretary Dadhe Boru have downplayed the significance of the payroll leak, suggesting it was a politically motivated move aimed at tarnishing the governor’s image.

“We have initiated administrative action against officers who handle personal data relating to county staff. Investigations are ongoing to verify the source of the document,” said Boru.

He reassured the public of the staff’s data security and announced that a human resource audit was underway to assess claims of ghost workers.

Despite these reassurances, the MCAs, including Halima Abgudho (Cherab), Salesio Kiambi (Wabera), and Peter Losu (Ngaremara), remain skeptical, claiming that the county's hiring practices are deeply flawed.

"We have given the governor enough time to deliver for the people of Isiolo. However, he has failed on his mandate, and as the oversight body, we have come out to call out this administration,” Abgudho said.

The MCAs are demanding a forensic audit of the county’s payroll and have pledged to summon county officials to explain the alleged irregular employment and corruption within the administration.

Speaker of the County Assembly Mohamed Roba dissociated himself from the 11 MCAs' statement, stating that their opinions did not represent the official stance of the legislative house.

“The county legislative house operates through structured, democratic processes where official decisions are made collectively. I urge MCAs to follow formal legislative channels to address issues in the government,” Roba emphasised, signalling an internal rift among the assembly members.

Adding to the escalating tensions, Senator Fatuma has raised concerns for her safety, alleging a plot to assassinate her due to her criticisms of the county administration.

During a Senate session, Senator Fatuma revealed that 10 county government employees attended a meeting on October 30, during which they discussed an attempt on his life.

She reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and claimed she had evidence of efforts to hinder her access to Isiolo and intimidate her supporters.

“My staff and supporters have continued to face harassment from hired goons and summons from security agencies to dissuade them from supporting me,” she added.

The alleged threats have sparked additional concerns, with Burat MCA Lorot also claiming he has received threatening messages from the governor.

“The intimidation tactics are intensifying,” he said, calling for enhanced security measures for those opposing the administration.

In response, Deputy Governor Lowasa condemned the accusations, asserting that political rivals were attempting to destabilise the county government for personal gain.

"This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the operations of the county government," he argued, implying that the accusations against Governor Guyo are part of a larger political strategy.