Senate committee seeks arrest of Isiolo Governor Abdi for ignoring summons

The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has issued a warrant for the arrest of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo following his repeated failure to appear before the senators despite numerous summons.

The committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, accused the governor of being "notorious" for disregarding the Senate’s oversight role.

The arrest warrant was requested by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, who had sought answers on the recruitment and employment status in the county.

Senator Murgor announced that the governor would be fined Sh500,000 and arrested if he failed to comply.

"As a committee, we have resolved that the governor should pay a Sh500,000 fine from his own pocket, and he should be arrested and brought before the committee," Murgor said.

The Labour Committee’s decision comes amid numerous similar summons from various Senate committees, including the Health Committee.

A notice motion has also been filed in the Senate to discuss Governor Abdi’s conduct, with the possibility of halting resources to the county as a consequence.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki expressed concern over Abdi’s repeated disregard for Senate summons.

"I believe a warrant of arrest would be the best remedy for now. Let the pressure be on the Inspector General (of Police) to bring him before the committee," Mohammed said.

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba criticised Abdi’s absence, saying it reflected poorly on his leadership.

"If we, as a committee, are unable to get him, then his people probably haven't seen him for years. He should be arrested and produced here in the interest of devolution," Orwoba said.

She added that the Senate should not be lenient, urging for an immediate arrest warrant.

Embu Senator Alex Mundigi echoed the sentiments, saying, “This arrest warrant will give us the necessary authority to support devolution and the grassroots people. Even if he has been summoned by other committees, he will learn to respect us.”

When contacted for comment, Governor Abdi dismissed the allegations, stating that the issue raised by Senator Dullo was politically motivated.

“I sent my written responses to the statement sought by Senator Dullo. I will provide additional details if needed, but I will not appear before the committee because what Dullo is after is a political statement,” the governor said.

The Senate Labour Committee invoked its constitutional powers under Article 125, which allows it to summon individuals and exercise the authority of the High Court, including issuing arrest warrants.

The warrant will be prepared by the Clerk of the Senate, signed by Senator Murgor, and presented to the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions for execution.

According to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, Section 19, a witness who fails to appear before Parliament or its committees may face a fine not exceeding Sh500,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Governor Abdi also dismissed Senator Orwoba's suggestion that he should be impeached, calling it an act of malice.

"I campaigned and sold my policies to the people of Isiolo. I know what it takes to be elected. I was not given this seat through other means like others," Guyo said.

The warrant aims to ensure that Governor Abdi appears before the Senate committee to address audit queries, and if necessary, face criminal charges in court.