Isiolo MCAs return to tense assembly as failed governor’s impeachment triggers leadership changes

The Isiolo County Assembly resumed sittings on Tuesday in a tense and politically charged atmosphere, marking the first session since the dramatic collapse of the impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo.

The failed impeachment attempt has triggered a wave of political realignments and disciplinary actions within the assembly.

During the session, Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto read a formal communication from the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Party announcing the expulsion of two nominated MCAs—Fozia Djibril Bore and Amina Omar Enow—from the party. Consequently, the two have lost their seats in the county assembly.

According to the UDM, the duo was removed for gross misconduct, including failure to remit monthly party contributions. Notably, both had initially supported the governor’s impeachment but shifted allegiance to his side just four days before the Senate ruling that spared him.

Speaker Roba also announced further leadership changes, including the removal of Deputy Speaker and Oldonyiro Ward MCA David Lemantile from the House Business Committee. He was replaced by Wabera MCA Salesio Kiambi.

Minority Leader de-whipped

In another shake-up, Francisco Letimalo was de-whipped as Minority Leader and replaced by Cherab MCA Halima Golle Abgudo. Both are members of KANU and part of a group of five MCAs who recently crossed over to support Governor Guyo. Nominated MCA Rahma Abdkadir also joined the governor’s camp after the impeachment bid failed.

Despite these changes, a group of MCAs used the sitting to reaffirm their commitment to holding the executive accountable.

Addressing supporters who had gathered in Isiolo town, they warned that a fresh impeachment attempt remained on the table should the governor fail to meet expectations on key issues.

The MCAs also voiced strong support for Speaker Roba amid reports of a push to reinstate Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha, who was recently gazetted as speaker by rival factions.

In a related development, the High Court in Nairobi on Tuesday issued temporary orders blocking any attempts to remove or degazette Banticha. This followed a petition he filed challenging his removal, deepening an already contentious leadership standoff between two rival factions, each claiming legitimacy.

The court’s intervention adds another layer to the power struggle that has paralysed the assembly, which is already grappling with allegations of dual speakers, suspended clerks, and conflicting gazette notices.

The escalating political battle has drawn national attention, with Isiolo residents watching closely to see whether local leaders can move past the infighting and focus on development and service delivery.

Other Topics To Read

• Northern Kenya
• United Democratic Movement
• UDM
• Isiolo County Assembly
• Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo
• Governor Abdi’s failed impeachment
• Isiolo MCAs return to tense assembly as failed governor’s impeachment triggers leadership changes
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